William Lee (Big Willie) Cary, age 66, of 417 W. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Willie was born July 24, 1948 in Alleghany County to the late Maude Slusser Cary.

He was a retired truck driver for Ricky Cook Hauling and Excavating of Blue Ridge and attended Iron Gate Advent Christian Church.

He was a former captain and an active member for over thirty years for the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department, and also volunteered with Safe Homes of Covington.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Abigail Rapp.

He is survived by his life companion, Becky Grimes of Clifton Forge; a daughter, Ellen Elizabeth Cary of Roanoke; a son, William T. Cary and wife, Melissa of Clifton Forge; a step daughter, Deanna L. Grimes of Clifton Forge; two step sons, James Staton of Roanoke and Michael Grimes of Clifton Forge; two brothers, Roy David Cary and wife Anita of Covington, and Clayton H. Cary and wife, Linda of Low Moor; three grandchildren, Lorie Cary, Brett Cary and Makayla Cary; three great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and special friends, Adali and Debbie Nicely, Arnold Sparks, and Pam Johnson.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Doug Moore and Dale Muterspaugh officiating. The family will visit with friends on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home as well as following the service at the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department.

Nicely Funeral Home is handling arrangements. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department, 3910 Longdale Furnace Road, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.