Stephen Maurice Nicely
Stephen Maurice Nicely, 82, local business owner and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, departed this life to join his heavenly father on October 7, 2024.
Steve was the former CEO and owner of Northgate Doors, Inc.
Steve was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, to Frances Sims Nicely and Maurice Delos Nicely in Lafayette, In. Steve grew up in Oxford, IN and Fowler, In.. He was graduated from Fowler High School and attended Indiana University before serving two years in the Navy at Naval Air Station Key West. He received a B.S. degree in business and marketing from Murray State University in Kentucky.
In 1968, Steve relocated to Chattanooga, where he met his wife of 55 years, Karen Standefer Nicely.
A devoted family man, Steve is survived by his wife, Karen, son Maury Nicely (Jennifer), son Matthew Nicely, daughter Elizabeth Nicely, grandchildren Charles Nicely, William Nicely, Anna Nicely, and Ava Nicely, sister Judy Main of Danville, In., brother Greg Nicely (Donna), sister-in-law Barbie Standefer, brother-in-law Jim Schreeder (Carolyn), nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Jo Nicely of Fowler, In.
Steve was baptized as an infant and chose to be baptized as a believer when he joined First Presbyterian Church in 1972. Faith and family were central to his life.
Steve enjoyed growing up in small-town Indiana and loved to tell stories of delivering newspapers on horseback and riding his horse Smokey to attend Oxford Elementary School. At Fowler High School, he was vice president of his senior class, played varsity basketball, was on the golf team, and played trombone in the dance band. He was a member of the Singing Hoosiers at Indiana University and a soloist with the Sea Chanters at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Steve began his business career with Procter & Gamble. He subsequently joined Johnson & Johnson before becoming president of Rock City Enterprises, where he was in charge of retail operations. In 1986, Steve and Karen acquired Northgate Doors, Inc., which Steve built into a thriving corporation.
Steve’s professional involvements included service on the dealer committee of the International Door Association. He served on the board of the North River YMCA, coached his sons’ Bright School basketball teams, and served on the McCallie School Parents’ Council.
A man of varied interests, Steve enjoyed classical music, classic movies, and military history. He was an avid sports enthusiast who ran in several marathons and participated in long distance bike rides,
Steve will long be remembered for his quick wit and keen sense of humor. He was a kind, generous, and loving gentleman who enjoyed people and made many friends.
Steve’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Steve’s caregivers at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Chattanooga, Hospice of Chattanooga, and Right at Home for their compassionate and loving care.
Graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m., Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn., with receiving of friends at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the CHI Memorial Foundation, the victims of Hurricane Helene through Samaritans’ Purse, or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.