Wilbur "Harold" Nicely

Wilbur “Harold” Nicely, Jr., born to Wilbur Harold Nicely, Sr., and Sara Broughman Nicely on January 8, 1955, in Clifton Forge, Va., passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, on September 15, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life of 48 years, Debbie Goodwin Nicely. They were married on June 11, 1977, at Bayleys Chapel in Amherst County, Va.

He is also survived by his children, Tracey N. Valence and William H. Nicely (Rebekah), and his two grandchildren, Aubrey and Gavin Nicely.

In addition, Harold is survived by his mother, Sara Nicely; his three sisters, Jackie Eggleston, Rose Ingle (Dave), and Catherine Kennon; sister-in-law Sue G. Angus (Sam); brothers-in-law Robert N. Goodwin Jr. (Wanda) and James W. Goodwin (Darlene); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, W. Harold Nicely, Sr., and two brothers-in-law, John Eggleston and Ronnie Kennon.

Harold retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad in 2015 after 40 years of service. He and Debbie enjoyed fishing with family and friends, years of camping, and even traveling across the country twice.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A private family funeral will follow on Friday, September 19. Arrangements by Whitten Monelison Chapel of Madison Heights, Va., 434-929-5712.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the James River Hospice Team (Alesha, Michelle L., Michelle H., Cecillia, and Octavia) to Kila M. for her dedication to Harold these last two months, and to his “manpower team”: Edwin Bomar, Alex Kennon, and Matt Turner.

Harold will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his years of hard work, and the joy he found in simple moments of fishing, camping, and time spent together. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him most.

In lieu of flowers, take someone fishing in honor of Harold.