Louis Richard Ely, Sr., age 80, of 303 Horse Mountain View Road, Covington, Virginia, died Monday, January 9, 2017 at his residence.

Louis was born January 7, 1937. He was a retired groundsman for Alleghany Memorial Park.

He was a member of Living Word Assembly of God Church, Covington.

Louis served in the United States Army Reserves and always supported the members of the armed forces.

He loved his family, especially the grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Wright Ely; two sons, Frank Tucker and Bobby Tucker; a grandson, James Church; and a great grandson, Hunter Mattox.

He is survived by six daughters, Tonya Harris and husband, Tim of Covington, Cathy Bowen and husband, Charles of Covington, Angela Church and husband, James of Covington, Teresa Ely of North Carolina, Carol Loan of Troutville, and Sheila Smith of Iron Gate; four sons, Louis Richard Ely, Jr. and wife, Lisa, David Tucker of Covington, Rick Ely of Maryland, and Joe Ely of Maryland; twenty-four grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; special friends, Becky Downer and husband, J.D. of Covington; and two dogs, Jade and Isis.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Assembly of God Church in Covington with Pastor Steve Tremblay officiating.

Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor.

Pallbearers will be selected from friends and family attending the service.

The family will receive friends on Friday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

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

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Mountain Regional Hospice Volunteers, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.