Nelson "Nick" Lee Metts Sr.

Nick was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kendall Michelle Metts; Parents Joseph Martin and Hattie Mae Jarman Metts; Brothers: Ivey, Joseph “Joe”, Gene, and Sidney; Sisters: Hilda, Margaret, Faye, and infant Gladys.

Nick was born in Comfort, N.C. on January 28th, 1944. At age 18, Nick relocated to Washington DC to begin his adult life. After finding his way to the mountains of N.C., he later met his best friend and the love of his life, Melba Hatley in Hudson, where he owned and operated multiple restaurants. They and their children enjoyed 39 years together.

Nick never met a stranger. Everyone he met grew to love him. No one around him ever wanted for anything. He provided selflessly for his family and those he loved. Nick gave us all a work ethic to live by. He worked tirelessly at Nick’s Maintenance and Janitorial Inc., no matter how he felt, to ensure his family and “work” family were taken care of. After everyday was done he wanted nothing more than to get home to Melba and “Pucker” Lexie (their Yorkipoo). Drinking coffee in the kitchen, snoozing on the loveseat, or sitting on the porch, Lexie was his companion.

Nick is survived by his caring, loving wife Melba Hatley Metts; Sons: Nelson “Nicky” Lee Metts Jr (Kendra) and David Eugene Dyson Jr. (Jodi); Daughter: Danah Jean Dyson (James); Grandchildren: Kandace Farr, Kendall Trey Metts, Kayla Rae Tomchesson (Branson), Zackery Nathan Dunn, Carson Alexa Dyson, and David Eugene Dyson III; Great Grandchildren: Mackenzie Dameron, Kaydance Nivens, Brody Abshire, and Barrett Metts; Brothers: Carlton Metts (Anne), Ray Metts, and Bruce Metts (Thelma); Brother-in-Law: Chester Heath (Faye); Sister-in-Laws: Patricia Metts (Ivey) and Lucy Metts (Sidney); and all his cherished nephews and nieces that he loved so much.

A loving Thank You is extended to Nick’s business relationships who have reached out by visiting, sending cards and letters, calling, and expressing love and concern.

Nick’s larger-than-life humor and presence will be with us all, forever.

In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Cotten Funeral Home. A Celebration of Nick's Life will begin at 5:00 pm in the Cotten Chapel.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Nick Metts, Sr. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Metts family.