Ronald Lair Nicely, 78, of Troutville, passed away on February 24, 2021 after an extended illness, surrounded by his family who were blessed to spend his last few days by his side.
Ron was born in Covington in April 1942 to Howard Russell and Bernice Audrey (Lair) Nicely. He attended the Jeter School before his family moved to a farm along Dunlap Creek in the countryside of Alleghany County, near Sweet Chalybeate. He developed an early love for music, listening to his Aunt Hazel (Lair) Tucker play her upright piano. After graduating Dunlap High School in 1959, “Ronnie” started working at the WestVaCo paper mill. Friends introduced him to Barbara Sams from neighboring Sweet Springs, W.Va., and, after a four-year courtship, Ron and Barbara were married in 1963. In 1967, a few months after the arrival of their son Ken, Ron and Barbara moved to Salem, where Ron began working for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts a short time later. Ron and Barbara were blessed with a second son, Randy, in 1970, and the family moved to the Rainbow Forest subdivision in Botetourt County in 1975 where they soon joined Rainbow Forest Baptist Church after becoming followers of Jesus Christ.
The two great loves of Ron’s life were his family and his church family, and he devoted himself to both. He worked hard to support his family through various sales positions with Magic City Ford and K-Sales motor oil distributorship in Roanoke. Later, he worked hard to supplement the family income by working as part-time custodian at the church and eventually became the full-time church custodian, a position he held for over 25 years. Ron supported his family not only through his work but by being actively involved as a husband and dad. He rarely missed any of his sons’ rec league baseball, basketball, or soccer games, and many times he could be found on the sidelines as an assistant coach. He created wonderful family memories with trips to Myrtle Beach, Washington, Mount Vernon, Monticello, and the Smoky Mountains. He made sure both his sons became first-generation college graduates and was always quick to let people know how proud he was of the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. Once they became empty-nesters, Ron and Barbara enjoyed spending time together on trips to places like Pigeon Forge, Branson, Lancaster, Charleston, and Niagara Falls. They even braved a first-ever trip to a foreign country with an adventure to Nicaragua. A special memory for Ron was a trip to Arizona to spend time with his brother Bobby, who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
A spirit of caring for other people, whether fueled by desire to disciple them in their walk with the Lord or by just being an encourager, was well evident in Ron’s life. Ron actively contributed to the life of the church by serving as a deacon, member of the choir, Director of Church Training, Co-Director of Youth, and Sunday School Teacher at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church. In recent years, Ron and Barbara enjoyed leading the JOY Ministries with the seniors at Green Ridge Baptist Church. For Ron, holding positions in the church was never a matter of status, but of service. Ron’s greatest impact on others always happened behind the scenes through acts of friendship, kindness, and discipleship. When singing a song at church, often accompanying himself on the piano, he radiated joy and genuine love for God.
For nearly 20 years, Ron enjoyed singing and actively participating in the Virginia Gentlemen barbershop chorus. He truly loved barbershop music but also simply enjoyed the many friendships formed throughout the years. Ron even made his acting debut in an Attic Productions presentation of “The Sound of Music” some years ago in Fincastle. Whether singing, acting, or just interacting with friends, Ron loved life and loved people. People, in turn, loved Ron and his ever-present sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, Ron is predeceased by his brother, Robert; and favorite aunt and uncles, Hazel and John Tucker and Walter Lair. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara; sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Teresa and Randy and Sherry; and grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, Justin, Julie, Emily, and Jenna. Numerous other family and friends were also cherished parts of his life. All who knew Ron were enriched by his genuinely caring personality, sense of humor, and love for God.
The family would like to thank special friends who left messages for Ron even when he could not respond; dedicated members of the Troutville Fire and Rescue Squad who always willingly made the trip to help after a fall; caregivers at Berkshire Health and Rehabilitation Center and Carilion Palliative Care unit who supported Ron and the family; and the staff and members of Green Ridge Baptist Church for their love and support.
A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life and our future reunion in Heaven will be held on Saturday, March 6, at 11a.m., at Green Ridge Baptist Church, Roanoke. A brief period of visitation with the family will be held beginning at 10 a.m (face masks and physical distancing required). The service may also be viewed online via the Green Ridge Baptist YouTube channel. Online expressions of support are welcome and appreciated. Memorial contributions are encouraged to Troutville Fire and Rescue Squad or the Green Ridge Baptist Benevolent Fund. Arrangements by Oakey’s East Chapel and Crematory, 540-977-3909.
