Robert Preston Nunnelley

MT VERNON - Robert Preston Nunnelley, 87, of Mt. Vernon, died Sun, July 11, 2010 at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY. He was born in Lexington, KY on Sep 17, 1922 the son of Luther Barton Nunnelley and Catherine Preston Nunnelley and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for many years. He retired after 35 years of service as Director of Transportation for the Lexington-Bluegrass Army Depot. Mr. Nunnelley was a Marine Corp. Veteran of WW II where he participated in action at Saipan, Marianas Islands, Iwo Jima and the Volcano Islands. He was a Sargeant and was a Rifle Marksman in the Armored Amphibian Tractor Crew. He recalled the day he laid on the ground at Iwo Jima and watched as they raised the American Flag. He returned home with honors on Dec 4, 1945. He will always carry with him those military characteristics of the Proud, the Brave, and the Free. He is survived by a son: Dr. Preston P. Nunnelley and wife, Lucille of Lexington; a daughter: Jerri Lynn Smith and husband, Keith of Mt. Vernon; and eight grandchildren: Rick Nunnelley, Ryan Nunnelley, Bart Nunnelley, Heather Shuvalor, Dana Hallman, Shannon Vrba, Kent Smith and Clay Smith. Also surviving are thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years: Geraldine Mayo Fairchild Nunnelley; a son: James Barton Nunnelley; and a grandson: Preston Todd Nunnelley. Funeral services for Mr. Preston Nunnelley will be conducted Wed, July 14, 2010 at 11am at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon by the Rev. Eddie Nation, Rev. Albert Griffin and Mr. Harry Harmon. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Dowell & Martin Funeral Home from 6-9pm on Tue and after 10am on Wed at the First Baptist Church until time for services. Pallbearers will be: Rick Nunnelley, Ryan Nunnelley, Bart Nunnelley, Kent Smith, Clay Smith, Bill Carman and John Carman. Honorary pallbearers will be: Carl Newton, Harry Harmon, Alfred Cummins, Jack Noe, John Hale, Paul Blevins, Tony Hopkins, Kenneth Hopkins, Lyndon Smith, Charles Machal, Roland Mullins, Dale Winstead and Deacons of First Baptist Church. Donations are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 639 Mt. Vernon, KY 40456 or Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, KY 40504. www.DowellMartin.com