John Bill William Nicely

John William (Bill) Nicely, 85, of Powell, Tennessee, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014. A man of character and quiet dignity, Bill was a devoted and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. His unfailing devotion to his family, particularly in caring for his wife Joyce during her illness, was exemplary.

Bill was born in Harriman, Tennessee, to Charles H. Nicely and Rachel Carter Nicely. He grew up in Harriman and graduated from South Harriman High School as Salutatorian of his class. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and subsequently became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, serving as a part of the Occupying Forces in Europe. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he attended Tennessee Technological University, graduating in the mid-Fifties.

After graduation, he began working as a chemist at the Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge. He continued to work there throughout his career, retiring in 1990. Early in that career he lived in Oak Ridge and attended Robertsville Baptist Church, where he met his future wife. In 1957 Bill married the love of his life, Joyce Jenkins, and they began raising their family. After moving from Oak Ridge, they spent over 40 years at home in Powell. Bill was a long-time member of Cumberland Baptist Church.

He was an avid golfer, loved University of Tennessee football, and was a faithful fan of the New York Yankees. In addition, he loved to watch any and all Westerns he could find on television, sometimes watching them over and over. Reserved at times, when involved in conversations with family and friends, Bill could easily exhibit his skills as an interesting storyteller who possessed a dry sense of humor and a ready smile. Above all else, throughout his life Bill was a man who was dedicated to caring for his family by providing them with his love and support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rachel Nicely; his wife of 56 years, Joyce Jenkins Nicely; his sisters, Wanda Goodrich and Leota Rowan; and his grandson, Thumper Nicely.

He is survived by his son Chuck Nicely and wife Diane, Tomball, Texas; his daughter Suzanne Shea, Knoxville; his grandchildren Rachel Shea, Knoxville; and John, Jennifer, and Jeremy Nicely, Tomball, Texas; his brother Gerald F. Nicely and wife Donna, Nashville, TN; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Earl Breazeale, Knoxville; and by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Weaver’s Funeral Home on Oak Ridge Highway. The funeral will follow at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Mike Hensley officiating. A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 17, at 11:00 A.M. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at www.weaverfuneralservices.com Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.