John Earl Nicley-age 87 of Washburn passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Earl was born October 10, 1938, in Union County to the late Rob and Mae Nicley. He was a member of Mount Eager Baptist Church, Washburn. He dedicated over 40 years to farming and was known for his strong work ethic, generous heart, and love for his family. He enjoyed fishing, working in his garden, and spending time with his grandchildren. Preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorena Nicley; daughters, Charlene and Kaye; sibling, Gracie, Lilly, Callie, Cliff, Bill, and Hubert.

He is survived by his son, Rev. David (Phoebe) Nicley; daughters, Trisha (Bill) Sexton and Vickie Dyer; siblings, Juanita (Jesse) Coffman and Clairie Whitt.

Hs greatest joy in life was being papaw. He treasured every moment spent with his special grandchildren, Chris (Carolyn) Nicley, Bethany (Drew) Winstead, Brad (Stephanie) Nicley, Chad (Becky) Bolden, Jason (Christy) Lindsay. Eleven great grandchildren, Morgan (Dewayne) Maples, Courtney (Gregg) Welch, Lylah and Carolyne Winstead, Braylon Nicley, Brea and Briley Bolden, Isaiah and Kaytlyn Lindsay, Dixie Lindsay, Mahayly (Ryan) Beeler. Great great grandchildren, Emylynn, Sadie, Aiden, and Marlie Headrick, Hunter and Remi Maples, Corbin Nicley, Leeland, Corbin, Aubrey, and Charollette Welch, Ryker Beeler, Dawson Lindsay, River and Willow Foust.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the caregivers, Kellsey and Tonja, along with the Amedisys Hospice Staff.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Monday, July 20, 2026, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary with funeral service to follow at 7:00 P.M., Rev. Jason Nicely and Rev. Gary Donahue officiating, music by Tammy Nicely and Hannah Williams. Interment service 11 A.M. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Fairview Cemetery, Luttrell. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home 10 A.M. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to go in procession. Pallbearers: Dewayne Maples, Jason Lindsay, Brad Nicley, Chris Nicley, Gregg Welch, Drew Winstead. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Sexton, Chad Bolden, Isaiah Lindsay, Corbin Welch, Braylon Nicley, Corbin Nicley, Aiden Headrick, Hunter Maples, Remi Maples, Ryan Beeler. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.