Brent Nicely
Brent Dallman Nicely received his call to his heavenly home September 18, 2020 in the quietness of his home in Cleveland, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otho Scott Nicely and Audrey Elizabeth Reid Nicely; sisters, Stanhope Hanner and Wyllis Burford; and daughter-like, Cindy Davis.
He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Sandra L. West Nicely; beloved twin daughters, Carmen E. Shaver (Benjamin) and April R. Yzaguirre (Marco); grandchildren, Michael P. Yzaguirre and Audrey Ellen Shaver; daughter-like, Devorah Sanchez (Joe); special niece, Theresa Bryant (Mike); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Brent was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) and a former member of Lexington Baptist Church in Lexington, Va. where he played the organ and piano for many years. He was born in Lexington, Va., where he was raised on a farm, graduated from Brownsburg H.S., attended Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, and later Shenandoah Valley B.C. in Roanoke, Va. His passion was children’s ministry for many years, including house parenting at Bethel Bible Village where God used him to be instrumental in the opening of their first thrift store. His career in retail management began with Peebles department stores in Virginia and ended with the American Cancer Society. He served in the U.S. Air Force and especially enjoyed volunteering at a mission library in Happy Valley during his deployment to Goose Bay, Labrador.
Highlights for Brent were short-term mission trips to Hungary, Jamaica, and Haiti. Brent was a gentle soul with a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye that revealed his genuine love for his family and friends as well as strangers he would meet along life’s way. His love for family, serving others, music, antiques, camping, the beach, and cats (especially Sedgie) enriched his life and gave him great joy.
He will be sorely missed by his loving family, who at the same time rejoice with him in spirit as he experiences the reality of “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to BethelBibleVillage.org.
In abundance of caution due to COVID-19, there will be a private service on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. that will be live-streamed at TrinityPresCleveland.com.
Private burial will be through Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel Homes in Cleveland, JimRushFuneralHomes.com, at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga.