Mr. Melvin Lee Nicely, 79, of Valdese, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at his residence, following a period of declining health.
Melvin was born on February 1, 1944 in Prince George County, Maryland to the late Melvin Opal Nicely and Roberta Medlin Nicely. He was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Morganton and retired as a computer operator for Alba-Waldensian following 35 years of service. Melvin was also a veteran of the U.S Air Force from 1962-1966. Melvin was a big part of the community, volunteering as a baseball coach for Valdese Rec., serving as an umpire for Burke County for many years and was a vital part of starting Burke County REACT. He enjoyed bowling with his family and friends for over 30 years, and always showed love to his family by his famous smirk.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bobbie Stamey.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice Hill Nicely of the home, three children; Lee Nicely Jr. and wife Dana of Valdese, Sandra Carswell and husband Tracy of Lenoir and Peggy Vines and husband Mark of Valdese, and one brother, Dennis Stamey of Palatka, FL. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Joshua Castaneda and wife Jamie, Janet Spann, Robert Nicely, Cheryl Paige and husband Stephen, Corey Jones and wife Abigail, Katie Vines and Libby Vines, nine great-grandchildren; Raelynn, Derby, Anthony, Kristian, Frankie, Eli, Link, Nate and Riley, and one sister in-law, Sharon Wilkes of FL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Jack Bryant officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association at heart.org.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assiting the Nicely family.
OH ALICE im so sorry to hear about MELVIN passing my love and prayer’s goes out to u and all your family . LORD wrap your arms around ALICE and her family and comfort them in JESUS name AMEN love DORIS JACKSON from SHELBURNE NOVA SCOTIA XO
Prayers for the Nicely family
Such a good man and mentor for many young men growing up in Valdese. Coach you will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you for all the advice and tough love. Love ya coach.
Alice, Lee, Sandra, Peggy and family,. I’m so sorry to hear about Melvin. I’m praying God gives you strength and comfort during this season of your lives. You will all be in my continued prayers now and for the coming weeks. Sorry I can not be with you on Saturday. But I will be thinking of you! Love you guys ❤️
~SILLY SUE~
Dear Alice and family
So very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers
Mr. and Mrs. Nicely were our Girl Scout leaders who braved camping trips, cookie sales and weekly meetings with a group of rambunctious girls. I will never forget their kindness and all that was learned. My thoughts are with the whole family during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about Melvin. He was a very nice person. And fun to bowl with so many years. Praying for your family during this time.