Jerry Lee Vess, Sr., age 76, of 3401 Bennington Lane, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Thursday, April 8, 2021 at his residence.

He was born January 11, 1945 in Botetourt County, Virginia to the late Eldon and Grace Layne Vess.

He was a retired Supervisor of Security for Westvaco of Covington. He was also a former police officer for the City of Clifton Forge, a former investigator for the Alleghany County Sheriff's Department, a former Chief of the Sharon Fire Department, and a long standing member of Central Advent Christian Church.

He never met a stranger and enjoyed helping people, especially by delivering wood to those in need during winter months.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Crystal Patterson Vess of Clifton Forge; a son, Jerry Lee Vess, Jr. and wife, Teresa of Clifton Forge; two sisters, Betty Schooler and husband Roger and Jean Ann Tucker, both of Clifton Forge; a brother, Donald Vess and wife, Arlinda of Fayetteville, TN; three grandchildren, Melinda Benson, Justin Vess, and Ben Vess; five great grandchildren, Jeslyn Vess, Jack Benson, Carlyn Benson, Kenton Vess, and Preston Vess; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Michael Warren officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Pallbearers will be Monroe Patterson, Preston Faidley, Dale Muterspaugh, Freddie Ambrose, and Hank Benson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Blue Ridge Cancer Care, 2013 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24014.

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