From The Winston Herald, February 8, 1918
Submitted by Robin Sterling

James W. Nunnley, of Mellville, passed to his reward Nov. 5, 1917. He was born Aug. 18, 1847. Between these dates that measure the span of three score years and ten, allotted to man, he spent life in a quiet way. Having been reared on the farm he chose that occupation for a livelihood.

Bro. Nunnley professed a hope in Christ about the age of 50 and united with Bethel church and lived a consistent member until called to his reward.

He left a devoted companion and 7 sons besides a host of friends to mourn their loss. The sons are: W.N., T.J., H.W., James, John, H. and G.F. (all married). He has 32 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

For several years it has been the custom of this family to hold a family reunion at the old home where Brother and Sister Nunnley reared this large family. It has been my good pleasure to be with them on each one of those occasions. Bro. Nunnley tho’ very modest, was never known to speak in public only on these occasions but he invariably expressed his thanks for being spared to live to see his children all grown and with homes. He frequently made the remark that none of them had ever given him any trouble—not one of them had ever been in the courts either civil or criminal. It should be a great satisfaction to children to know that when they lay their parents away that they never had any trouble on account of their disobedience. G.W. Gibson

From The Mountain Eagle, December 19, 1917:

Obituary. James W. Nunnelly, of Mellville, passed to his reward Nov. 4, 1917, was born August 18, 1847. Between these dates that measure the span of three score years and ten allotted to man was spent in a quiet way. Having been reared on a farm he chose that occupation for a livelihood. Brother Nunnelly professed a hope in Christ at about the age of 50 and united with Bethel Church and lived a consistent member until called to his reward. He leaves a devoted companion and 7 sons, besides a host of friends to mourn their loss. His sons are W.N., T.J., J.W., James, John, H. and G.F., all married. He has 32 grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. For several years it has been the custom for this family to hold a family reunion at the old home where Bro. and Sister Nunnelly reared this large family. It has been my good pleasure to be with them on each one of these occasions. Bro. Nunnelly, though very modest, was never known to speak in public only on these occasions, but he invariably expressed his thanks for being spared to live to see his children all grown and with homes. He frequently made this remark, that none of them had ever given him any trouble, not one of them had ever been in the courts either civil or criminal. It should be a great satisfaction to children to know that when they lay their parents away that father never had any trouble on account of their disobedience. [J.W. Nunnelley, 18 Aug 1846 – 5 Nov 1917; buried Old Bethel Cemetery]

From The Mountain Eagle, September 1, 1915:

Nunnally Family Reunion. Time, August 12, 1915. Place, Old Home, at Nathan, Ala., in Winston County. Those present were, father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Nunnally, their seven sons and their families and a host of neighbors and friends. The family met at 10:00 o’clock, had their photograph made. In the picture are the faces of father and mother Nunnally, seven sons and their wives and 36 grand and great grandchildren. At 12 o’clock the family and friends enjoyed a sumptuous dinner under the trees that spread their deep shades around the old home place. After the dinner all enjoyed singing selections from the Sacred Harp; also a good talk made by the rev. G.W. Gibson of Arley, Ala. Some interesting talks were made by members of the family and other visitors. The throng disbanded at 4 o’clock to come together next August 12.

History. Father and Mother Nunnally came to Winston county from Georgia about 25 years ago, when the county was in its first development. Many are the stories he tells his grandchildren of the ups and downs of his early life in the hills, and of the chases of the wild deer and other game that was then in abundance. Here he reared his seven boys to manhood and lives yet to see them all with families and to see them all on the road to prosperity. William N. Nunnally, the eldest, and Thomas J., the second, and George F., the youngest own good farms near the old homestead. Here they are considered of the best type of citizens and farmers, leading and giving examples to their friends and neighbors as did their father before them. Joseph W., the third boy, John H., the fifth and Isaac D., the sixth, all reside on Route No. 4, Jasper, Ala., in the Marylee neighborhood. There they are pointed out as among the best citizens and farmers. James W. Nunnally, Jr., the fourth boy, lives near Joppa, Ala., in Cullman county, where he enjoys the friendship of a host of Cullman county’s best citizens. [J.W. Nunnelley, 18 Aug 1846 – 5 Nov 1917; buried Bethel Cemetery (Old Bethel)]