A Division of Two Virginia’s Media

Nicely Funeral Home Obits

Nancy Stone

Nancy Ellen Patterson “Penny” Stone, age 84, of 2400 Grafton Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Brian Center, Low Moor, Virginia. Nancy was born May 26, 1941 in Covington, Virginia to the late John I. Patterson and Christine Taylor Patterson. She retired as a teachers aide from Sharon Elementary School within the Alleghany Highland Public Schools. Nancy graduated from Central High School in 1958. She was an avid UVA and N.Y. Yankees fan. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dayton B. Stone, of Clifton Forge; two sons, Robert Allen “Bobby” Stone (Patty) of Clifton Forge and John Dayton Stone (Erin) of Covington; two daughters, Christy Lynn Walton (Danny) of Covington and Kim Leigh Nicely of Clifton Forge; 9 grandchildren, Melinda Jose (Bobby), Chase Walton (Tara) Mandy Selman (Chris), Lisa Napier (David), John Berkley Nicely, Christa Walton, Molly Nicely (Matt), Jacob Stone (Aly), and Luke Stone (Karissa); 10 great-grandchildren, Logan Walton, Cooper Nicely, Reagan Jose, Maddie Harmon, Reid Jose, Evan Selman, Isaac Walton, Henley Napier, Everleigh Walton, and Kamdyn Stone; beloved dogs, Fluffy and Cricket Snowflake Stone; and special friends, Mike and Sandra Smith and Beverly Roberts. In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. Special thanks to Dr. Brown and staff, Corey Wideman and staff, Iron Gate and Clifton Forge Fire and Rescue, Billy Angle, Bill Gilliland, Kacie Byer, nursing staff of Amedisys Home Health Care, and the staff of the Brian Center. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com


William Berry

William Lawrence Berry, Sr., age 69, of 207 South Craig Avenue, Covington, Virginia died on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at his residence. Lawrence was born on October 17, 1956 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to the late Robert Stanley Berry, Sr. and Catherine Juanita Meador Berry. He served in the United States Air Force, remained very patriotic throughout his life, and loved his country dearly. He was a truck driver for Garten Trucking and a member of the Covington Moose Lodge. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing slot machines, fishing (especially at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina), hunting, traveling, watching sports, cheering on his Dallas Cowboys football team, and truly loved his time with his family. In addition to his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by a son, Quintin “Duane” Berry. He is survived by a daughter, Marina Hawkins of Covington; a son, William “Billy” Berry (Camilla) of Covington; two brothers, Stuart Berry (Missy) of Selma and Robert Berry (Shari) of Nevada; eight grandchildren, Keithen, Haven, Arya, Makaylen, Chloe, Brianna, Trinitty, and Lilliana; and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge. Interment will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.


Bernard King

Bernard Bailey “Bernie” King, age 84, of Eagle Rock, Virginia took his last evening ride into the golden gates of Heaven on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Bernie was born on March 5, 1942 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Norman Franklin King and Lenna Austin King. He retired from Hercules/A.E.T. He was an avid Virginia Tech fan and enjoyed golfing and bowling. He also coached many local kids in Little League Baseball. Loved by many, known by all, Bernie was also the “de facto” mayor of Strom, Virginia. In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph King, Norman Cletus King, and Coy Haven King, and also an infant brother. He is survived by a sister, Georgia Knighton (Larry) of Eagle Rock; two sisters-in-law, Betty King of Covington and Judy King of Eagle Rock; two special nieces, Cindy Wright (Jeff) and Robin Thompson (Richard); three devoted nephews, Tim King (Lindsay), Chris King, and Steven King; as well as a number of great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Robert McRae officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. The family would appreciate it if those in attendance could wear Virginia Tech fanwear in honor of Bernie. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Galatia Presbyterian Church Cemetery. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com


Jerry Reid

Jerry Meadows Reid, ag 82, of Clifton Forge, Virginia passed from this life to his Heavenly Father, on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jerry was born March 16, 1944 at the Chesapeake and Ohio Hospital in Clifton Forge to the late Roy Barrett "Bud" Reid and Nancy Estelle Rogers Reid. He is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Barrett Reid Grenda (John) and Lynn Pless (Jeff)… as well as the love of his life, Miriam (Mimi) McFarland. Jerry moved back to Clifton Forge in 2023, and was known for wearing his colorful car shirt and making strangers laugh by offering to sell them one of his cars. Where there was music, Jerry was dancing and lifting sprits. The story of his graduating from the University of Virginia at the age of 70 can still be seen by internet search of ”JerryReidUVA”. Prior to this, he raced sports cars (SCCA) for 30 years on many East Coast tracks, published Motor Sports Magazine, and produced a TV series called “Pit Wall Productions”. Even more than these accomplishments, he loved writing and has many sports articles, stories, and a book left unfinished. Jerry will be remembered for his smile and the joy he brought to others. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com


Melvin Coffman

Melvin Daniel “Danny” Coffman, Jr., age 69, of Millboro, and formerly of Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. Danny was born in Clifton Forge on August 19, 1956 to the late Melvin Daniel Coffman, Sr. and Mildred Ray Whitmer Coffman. He was a 1974 graduate of Clifton Forge High School and attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. He served in the United States Coast Guard 74’ – 76’ and was a retired diesel mechanic. He attended Horeb Baptist Church and Living Stones Ministries. He was a member of the Clifton Forge Elks, the Clifton Forge High School Alumni Association, and was an Eagle Scout. He loved music, the Cowpasture River, motorcycles, gardening, cooking and being a mechanic. He is survived by two sons, Joseph D. Coffman (partner, Charity Witt) of Hendersonville, NC and Calvin W. Coffman of Clifton Forge; three sisters, Karen Sgarrella-Tharp of Hillsboro, Cindy C. Perry (Glenn) of Clifton Forge, and Donna C. Sams (Pat) of Roanoke; a brother, Terry W. Coffman of Clifton Forge; one grandson, Cypress Coffman; many special nieces and nephews; and his dear friend, Neisie F. Darnell. He is also survived by a many faithful best friends. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11:00AM until 1:00PM at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge. Reception to follow at Family Treets Restaurant, Clifton Forge. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com


Ronald Swoope

Ronald Swoope, of Clifton Forge, passed away on Saturday February 14, 2026 at the age of 92. He is survived by his Brother, Stephen Swoope and Sister Ramona Swoope Woods Daughters Connie Shrewsbury and Rhonda Swoope, Son Michael Swoope He had five Grandchildren and six great grandchildren and was very close to his Grandson Justin Swoope of Roanoke. Ronald maintained close relationships with Sister and Brother in laws and including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He started working for the Railroad at an early age. When he turned 18, he joined the Army. He spent 2 years in the Korean War and reached a rank of Staff Sergeant with the Army. After Korea, Ronald attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and in 1960 he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. Ronald married Reta Carol Rose in August of 1960. He was her loving Husband for 65 years. They are now together again in Heaven. Ronald's career took them both to many different moves over those years. Albany, NY, Pikeville KY, Peru IN, and Richmond VA to name a few. He worked for C&O, B&O, R.F. & P. and retired from Amtrak in 1990 after a 30 year career. Ronald was an avid Hunter and Fisherman. Along with Deer and trout, he also traveled often to Wyoming and Idaho to hunt Elk and deep-sea fishing in Gloucester, MA and Cape Hatteras, NC. Ronald was also an incredible gardener and often shared the fruits of his labors with family and friends. His friendly and outgoing personality made him beloved by many. A memorial Service will be held in May. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is assisting the family. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com


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