Richard Hamilton Nettles was born in Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, August 22, 1939 to the late Jeanette Burton and John Wesley Nettles. After his mother transitioned at a very young age, Richard was sent to live with his Aunt, Ella Ponce de Leon in Brooklyn, NY. The close-knit relationships he formed with his New York family helped him forge strong emotional bonds which remained a guiding force throughout his life. Richard attended high school in Philadelphia after moving back to Camden, NJ to live with his father.  Every day, he would walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge from Camden to attend boys high school in South Philadelphia.  He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and completed his training in Parris Island, SC. During his enlistment he was stationed in Japan, Germany and Hawaii. After earning an honorable discharge from the Marine Corp, Richard began his career as an over the road truck driver. He thrived at working hard and his long hauls took him to all corners of the United States and Canada. His wife, Ruth, would ride with him driving some of the deliveries. Sometimes his favorite cousins Paul and/or Little Richard would accompany him. Richard had a gift of connecting with people of all backgrounds and after retiring he chose to supplement his income by working at Walmart.  This allowed him to continue his love for interacting with people. He led by example, imparting discipline, knowledge and a strong work ethic, all with patience and unconditional love.

In the mid '70s, Richard was fortunate enough to meet the love of his life, Ruth Mays, through James, a co-worker and friend who just happened to be Ruth's brother. Ruth was the missing piece Richard's heart had been searching for. He intrinsically knew she was the one. They married on December 30, 1978 and set up residency in Long Island, NY.  They became each other's rock, withstanding storms while growing in love and strengthening their faith in God. They both loved to travel. He and Ruth took amazing trips, making new friends, everywhere they went. In 2003, they made the decision to move to Palm Coast to be closer to family.

Richard had his own sense of style and loved to dress well. He was never boastful or disrespectful; he just exuded a quality that demanded respect. He let you know with just a look that he wasn't the one to mess with. His glare could be intimidating but he was a gentle giant with the heart of a lion. He also had a love for sports and would passionately engage, debate and shut down anyone who went against his favorite sports teams. He was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord with all his heart. As a long-standing member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church he served on the Security Ministry. He would often beam with joy when you talked about his service to the ministry. Richard lived his life based on the Golden Rule - treat others as you want to be treated. There was no exception to this rule for him. He exemplified strength of character, empathy and kindness. As he took his last breath on December 14th, his life did not dim, nor did his faith waver because he truly believed he was going to be present with the Lord. He was at peace and his light shined brightly for he had been a faithful servant and was going to his heavenly home. Richard will be remembered as a husband, father, papa, friend and a man of character who also cared about the well-being of others. He will truly be missed by all those he encountered throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Burton; brother-in-law, James Mays.

Richard entered the sunset of life on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his residence.

Loved ones left to honor Richard's memory and carry on his legacy include his wife of 48 years Ruth Nettles; daughters, E'laine Brooks and Latoya Nettles; grandchildren, Jayson Brooks and Levi Jordan Payne-Nettles; sister, Senna Arrington Johnson; sisters in law, Barbara (Willis) Mitchell and Priscilla (Roselle) Lewis; very special cousins, Paul (Cheryl) Brown and Richard Brown, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.