Dorothy Nunley

RICEVILLE — Dorothy Louise Boyd Nunley, slipped into eternity at the age of 89, Saturday night, Oct. 22, 2016, with her family by her side. Dorothy was born April 23, 1927, to the late Luther E. and Mamie E. Vaughn Boyd, of Riceville. She was raised in Riceville. She married Basil H. Nunley, Sr., on Feb. 14, 1942, and raised five children. Dot was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Basil H. Nunley, Sr.; sisters, Grace Boyd, Sarah Goodwin, and Betty Griffith; and brothers, David and Jack Boyd. Affectionally known as Granny Dot, she was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all. Dorothy was a devoted Christian first, attending the Lord's Church at Riceville Church of Christ. Dorothy was raised a Baptist when she and Basil married. She had a fabulous mother-in-law who knew her bible and taught Dorothy the truth about the gospel. After obeying the gospel she lived her Christian life teaching her children, husband and many others by example. Dorothy always said if you live a Christian life you won't have to have a preacher for your funeral. You preach your life as you live it. Left to cherish her memory are her five children and four spouses, Linda Swafford, Basil H. Jr. (Butch) and Susie Nunley, Gail and Neal Womac, Greg and Sandy Nunley, and Beth and Wayne McKeown, all of Riceville; former son-in-law, Ron Swafford, of Riceville; a special adopted son, Donnie Cable, of Butler, Tenn.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Riceville Cemetery with Minister Donnie Cable officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Smith Funeral Home in Athens. Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The family suggests memorials be made to Riceville Cemetery Fund, C/O Gail Womac, 155 County Road 732, Calhoun, TN 37309. If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you may sign the guest register at www.smithfuneral&cremationservicesofathens.com. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Dorothy (Dot) Boyd Nunley.