Howard Reese Nicely, 89, of Lexington died Sept. 29

Howard Reese Nicely, 89, of Lexington, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. 

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a former employee of Burlington Industries and was an accomplished carpenter.  He coached little league sports for many years and loved helping the youth of the county excel both on and off the field.  He passed this love of sports to his grandchildren and loved to watch them play.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed doing these with his wife, Vivian, his sons and friends.  Friends and neighbors alike benefited each year from his abundant garden.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1933, in Lexington to James Ernest Nicely and Isabelle Virginia Bane Nicely.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Vivian Whiteside Nicely. 

He is survived by his sons, Howard (Renada) and Wayne (Tammy); grandchildren, Cheyenne, Dakota (Katie), Cimarron, Mackenzie (Lee) Buchanan and Taylor (Zach) Clayborne; great- grandchildren, Daxton Wayne Nicely and Vivian Kate Nicely; and special family friend Robert ‘Bum” Baker (Cindy). 

Reese was a long-time member of Lexington Baptist Church.

A service celebrating his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Mission Benevolence Fund at Lexington Baptist Church, 75 Old Farm Road.