Sidney Nicely Obituary

Sidney "Sid" Nicely

September 25, 1947 - July 17, 2025

Sidney McCllean "Sid" Nicely, age 77, of 711 Goodland Avenue, Roanoke, VA died on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Sid was born on September 25, 1947 in Alleghany County, VA to the late Olza Prezell Nicely and Leah Mary Francis Nicely. He was a 1965 graduate of Alleghany High School and furthered his education at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. He was a retired Prosthetist for Virginia Prosthetics, and a former member of Lone Star Advent Christian Church.

Sid Nicely was a founding member of the Advent Christian Mission in Roanoke, first organized in 1978. He became a charter of the Community Advent Christian Church when it was chartered in 1982.

Sid's wisdom, leadership, spiritual strength, and labor were dedicated to the formation and growth of his church. Sid left his mark on Community in every possible way from his welcoming personality, his tireless work of ministry, and his unwavering love for the Lord, all of which, became part of and remain the personality of the church.

Sid served Community in every possible way. He taught Sunday School, Bible School, helped with the Character College middle school ministry, mentored many young men, served as Sunday School Superintendent, was a trustee (mowed grass, painted walls, built "things"), helped lead the church through four building programs, coached the church softball team, pitched for that team for years, organized and participated in many fundraising events including selling donuts, grilling chicken, and making apple butter (an effort that almost got him stoned when he refused to let us "put in the sugar" until the last possible moment).

Sid served as the elder of the church from 1987 until this past year when his health prevented him from continuing to serve in that position. The church designated him as Elder Emeritus this past spring, recognizing his long and faithful service to the Lord through Community.

Sid was the perfect example of an elder serving as advisor to and supporter of the pastor as well as an example for the entire church leadership. He made countless visits to pray with those who were sick or grieving, called many, many members on his phone just to stay in touch, and made every visitor to our church feel wanted and welcomed.

God placed Sid in the right place for the right time to help rise up a church that loves people, honors Christ, and shares the Gospel.

He was active in his community as a former member of the Roanoke Valley Lions Club, and as a farmer dedicated to the Pleasant Valley Farm, a Century farm owned by his family in Nicelytown. He enjoyed watching bull riding and NASCAR, playing church softball and wheelchair basketball, and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Sid was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Bert Burns.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Jane Greene Nicely of Roanoke; a daughter, Amy Prewer of Roanoke; a sister, Nancy Lee (Jim) of Lenoir, N.C.; a brother, Olza "Tony" Nicely (Sally) of Gainesville; a grandchild, Sidney Prewer of Roanoke; nieces and nephews, Debbie, Patrick, Lori, Mark, Jennifer, and Rebekah; as well as 15 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Community Advent Christian Church, 4512 Old Mountain Rd N.E., Roanoke, VA with Reverend T. G. Ayers and Reverend Jim Lee officiating. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, 3515 Longdale Furnace Rd, Clifton Forge, VA. Pallbearers will be Logan Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Andrew Sherwood, Todd Sherwood, Cadell Perry, Liam Perry, Nolan Perry, and Christopher Burns. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Nicely, Patrick Burns, Gary Rogers, Steve Cash, Tommy Gibson, Bob Frank, and Jerry Burks. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Debt Retirement of Community Advent Christian Church, 4512 Old Mountain Rd NE, Roanoke, VA 24019.

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

Nicely Funeral Home

405 Alleghany St, Clifton Forge, VA