He was born March 5, 1933, in Alleghany County to the late Shadrick Marion Nicely and Susie Viola Conner Nicely.

He was the pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Covington and the former owner of Nicely’s Exxon Station in Clifton Forge. He was a charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a founding member with Eddie Nicely of Griffith Knob Hunt Club and a lifetime member of Clifton Forge Rescue Squad. Dennis served in the United States Air Force.

Dennis’s first love was for his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He witnessed to everyone he met. His life was a living testament to all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Brown Nicely; a son, Dennis “Rusty” Nicely Jr.; six brothers, S.L Nicely, Richard Nicely, Arnold Nicely, Carl Nicely, Marion Nicely and Nolan Nicely; two sisters, Evelyn Smith and Ethel Sue Nicely Dobbs Collins; and a daughter-in-law, Pamela Mason Nicely.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Moore Nicely; a daughter, Pat Nicely Peery (Steve); two sons, Marion Algon Nicely and William Roy Nicely (Holly); three stepdaughters, Marsha Wellmaker (Allen), Martha Carter and Melody Holmes (Phillip); two stepsons, John Moore Jr. and Thomas Moore (Liz); three sisters, Margaret Griffith, Hazel Burns, and JoAnn Land; 31 grandchildren and 71 great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. in Immanuel Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, with the Rev. John Godfrey, the Rev. Luke Benton and the Rev. Dean Bowser officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Ambassador Baptist College, P.O. Box 158, Lattimore, NC 28089.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling the arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www. nicelyfuneralhome.com.