Charles Donald “Donnie” Nicely

Charles Donald “Donnie” Nicely, 87, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Friday May 16, 2025.

Donnie was born on May 29, 1937, in Allegheny County, Virginia. He attended Allegheny high school. He worked in maintenance for CSX railroad and health facilities. He also worked at Tharp Funeral Home for over 10 years. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seabee from 1954 until 1959. Before going into the navy, he worked at Old Forge Restaurant at Iron Gate and was a caddy at Hot Springs golf course.

He was a member of Langhorne Chapel Community Church and sang with their Saving Grace quartet at health care facilities. He also served on town council of Iron Gate, Virginia.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Sybil Fariss Howard Nicely; son Peter “Pete” Randall Nicely; stepchildren, Jackie Howard (Tina) and Mary Ford; grandchildren, Amanda Lindsey Lawrence (Kevin), Daisy Howard, Isaac Howard, Joshua Howard, Logan Howard, Cody Howard, Brandon Ford; great-grandson, Landon Lawrence; and daughter-in-law, Amy Howard.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hubert Nicely and Ollie Welch Nicely; his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Young Nicely; stepson, Justin Howard; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Unroe Nicely.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude or one of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at Tharp Funeral Home on Thursday May 22, 2025, at 1 PM with Pastor Dwight Weaver officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Tharp Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 6-8 PM. 

A reception will follow the service at Langhorne Chapel Community Church at 15777 Leesville Rd. Evington, VA.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.