Forrest Elwood Nuckles age 91 of Galax, Virginia passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mr. Nuckles was born in Ruffin, North Carolina on October 25, 1923 to Charles Emmett and Verda Adcock Nuckles. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-nine years Ardith Stanley Nuckles; sisters and brothers-in-law Helen and Clarence Pruitt; Hazel and William Grogan; brother and sister-in-law Everette and Juanita Nuckles and a son -in-law Sheldon Gauvreau.

He is survived by his daughters Judie Gauvreau and Mary Terry both of Laurel Fork, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Deborah Nuckles of Wytheville Virginia; grandchildren and spouses Steven and Teresa Boyles; Mark and Lisa Boyles; Jarrett and Kathy Nuckles; James Nuckles; John and Megan Nuckles; Christian and Daniel Newberry; Melissia and William Selwyn; Judie and Kevin Lindsey; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Glennis Morris, Iva Wagner, Evelyn Stanley, brother-in-law Arvil and Betty Stanley; several nieces and nephews.

He served his country during World War II as a member of the Army Air Force and was a Tech Sergeant assigned to the 301st BG in the 352 Squadron. He flew 35 bombing missions in B-17's over Germany. He was the planes engineer and upper terret gunner.

In 1957 he moved his family to Galax from Martinsville, Va. to open his own business, Blue Ridge Office Equipment, Inc. which he continued until his retirement.

He was saved in 1950 and baptized at Chatham Heights Baptist Church in Martinsville. He has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Galax since 1957,where he served as Deacon, Superintendent of Sunday School, Training Union Director and many other committees and activities.

He served his community in various ways. He was involved with the Boy Scouts for several years as Scoutmaster. He was a member of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, the Moose Lodge and Lions Club where he served in every office. He was the District Governor for Lions, Southwest Virginia. He had the honor of being selected as a Kentucky Colonel by Kentucky Governor, John Y. Brown, Jr.. He also served several terms as President of the Galax Chamber of Commerce.

He was a quiet unassuming man dedicated to his family, church and community.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM in the First Baptist Church with Pastor Sam Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery with Military Rites by the Hillsville VFW Post 1115. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from six until eight at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.