Joseph Thurston Nalley

1955 - 2025

Joseph Thurston Nalley, lovingly known as Joe or Tic passed away peacefully at his home in Loretto on Nov. 23, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, Ellen, and family. Born Jan. 6, 1955, in St. Francis, Ky., he was the son of Joseph Truston Nalley Sr. and Mary Elsie Ruley Nalley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, David, John Hubert, Philip, Tommy and Timmy Nalley; two sisters, Mary Ann (infant) and Joann Nalley Gootee.
Joe /Tic's greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 18 years, Ellen; his cherished daughter and his pride and joy, Dawn (Jamie) Yates' his stepgrandson, Tanner (Emily) Yates.
His love extended to his brothers, Leo (Frankie) and sisters, Mary Cecil (Bobby), Linda (Louis) Cecil, Carolyn Gootee, Jenny Spannknebel and Charles (Judy) Nalley.
A hardworking and generous soul, Joe /Tic retired from Maker's Mark Distillery after 28 years as a maintenance technician boiler operator and served his community as Loretto Fire Chief and Vice President of the Loretto Jaycees. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a friend to all. His life was filled with pride, laughter, and love.
Tic's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6785 Highway 52 in Loretto. The Rev. Richard T. Goodin will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The visitation is 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road in Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Pallbearers are his nephews, Eddie Cecil, Brian Cecil, Jamie Gootee, Jeff Nalley, Chuck Nalley, and Charles Spannknebel.
Mattingly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.