John Kendall Nicely passed away on May 24, 2024, in Huntsville. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
John was born in Plainfield, Indiana to Doyle Clinton Nicely and Sarah Margaret Kendall Nicely. He later lived in Oak Park, IL, Little Rock, AR, and Decatur, AL, before moving to Huntsville, AL in 1965.
John and his wife, Mary Melton, married after they graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1965. John graduated with a degree in Physics and Mathematics. He spent summers during college as an intern at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and joined IBM’s space program upon graduation. In 1980 he joined the newly formed CAS, Inc. (now KBR) providing support and analysis services for the missile defense industry.
John had many pastimes – he loved music – trumpet concertos in particular- and played the flute, piccolo, and oboe. He also enjoyed photography, woodworking, birdwatching, and genealogical research.
John was active in the church. He and Mary received the Holy Spirit into their lives in 1973, resulting in a deepening of their walk with Christ. He served as Sr. Warden at both the Church of the Nativity and later at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. In 2004 they joined The Rock Family Worship Center and served as volunteers at Manna House.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Melton Nicely; sons, John Christopher (Naomi) and David Andrew (Laura); and grandchildren, Elva Bennett, Gabriel Nicely, and Eleanor Nicely.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in the Commons area at The Rock FWC. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 10.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Manna House, Box 1991, Huntsville, AL 35807 or Outreach Ministries of Alabama, Box 98, Valhermoso Springs, AL 35775.
