John Ray Nicely

John Ray Nicely, 83, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, with family members present, at Augusta Health’s beautiful Shenandoah House. Ray was born in Charlottesville, VA, on August 20, 1941, to Garland Lee and Ellen Wine Nicely.

Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a daughter, Merritt Anne Nicely, a son, Brian Ray Nicely, and a sister-in-law Vicki Nicely. He is survived by a son, Jonathan Elick Nicely and his wife Donna. Ray also leaves behind five grandchildren: Jeremy Nicely (partner Samantha), Brandon Nicely, Kelsey Nicely-Ganoe (husband Joe), Clarissa Kliewer (husband Mitchell), and Andrew Nicely. Also, Ray leaves two

great-grandchildren: Tristen Garrett, and Roy Nicely-Ganoe. Additional survivors include two brothers Robert Nicely and Clint Nicely (wife Donna), and a sister Becky Hewitt (husband EJ). Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Ray worked for more than forty years as a land surveyor, subsequently closing out his career at Valley Engineering in Harrisonburg as Director of Planning and Development. In his younger years Ray was an outstanding baseball, basketball, and tennis player. Ray was a long time fan of the Washington Nationals and Commanders, as well as a lifelong fan of the UVA sports teams. He was an avid fisherman and really enjoyed surf fishing on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Also, Ray was a skilled woodworker and a pretty darn good golfer. Always with a great love of learning, Ray read voraciously and eclectically. Ray truly was a man with a big heart, a nimble mind, and a generous spirit; and he is remembered by everyone who knew him as a mild-mannered, easy-going person, who was celebrated for his kindness and his welcoming smile.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice nurses and staff at Shenandoah House, whose kindness, caring, and comfort are unsurpassed. A huge thanks also to a special niece Cindy Wright. Cindy, along with her husband DF, have long been stalwart in their continual support, concern, and ongoing care.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.