Mr. Edward Lee Nicely, age 89, of Covington, Virginia, died Thursday, May 8, 2014, at the Salem VA Medical Center, Salem.

He was the husband of the late Adelina "June" Nicely.

Mr. Nicely was born June 12, 1924 in Covington, the son of the late Roy Jackson Nicely and Mary Ann Smith Nicely.

He served his country as a member of the United States Navy, was a member of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Edward was employed by Westvaco as an operator in the Recovery Department before his retirement and was a member of the Covington Paper Workers Union Local #675.

Mr. Nicely was a life member of Covington Moose Lodge #610, where he held a fellowship degree. He was also a member of the League of Older Americans and was a person to person conservation contact committee member.

Edward was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mr. Nicely is survived by four sons, William Joseph Nicely and wife, Vivian of Mad River, CA, John Franklin Nicely of Anchorage, AK, Anthony J. Nicely and wife, Norma of Covington and Dennis Allan Nicely and fiancee, Kathy of Staunton; three daughters, Patricia Ellen McMillan of Prosperity, SC, Edna Lee Nicely of Daleville, and Bridget Ann McGuire and husband, Daniel of Fredericksburg; sixteen grandchildren, Brian S. Taylor, Karen T. George, Robin T. Amick, James R. Bowling, Jr., Chad Bowling, Danielle M. Nicely, Dustin W. Nicely, Frankie Nicely, Kenny Nicely, Jacob Nicely, Jamie Nicely, Karen Reynolds, Katie M. McGuire, Patrick M. McGuire, Whitney Carper Johnson and Christopher Matthew Nicely; nine great grandchildren, Amber Taylor, Heather Taylor, Nicholas Taylor, Courtney Amick, Ashley Amick, Jr., Nicholas Dale James Bowling, Bryan Austin Bowling, Zachary Stuart Nicely and Chase Nicely; two brothers, Gordan L. Nicely of Prince George and Robert L. Nicely of Chester; one sister, Elizabeth N. Spinks of White Sulphur Springs, WV; one very special niece, Dottie Sue Hanshew and husband, Dwight; and a number of other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Nicely was preceded in death by his son, Edward Wayne Nicely, and four brothers, Paul J. Nicely, Luther Nicely, Bill Nicely, Jr., and Roy Nicely; and two sisters, Anne Haynes and Dorothy Rodgers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Tom Collins as celebrant. Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park.

Graveside rites will be conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren and special friends.

A Christian Wake will be held Sunday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 255 W. Main Street, Covington, VA 24426.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.