Mr. Nelson Jesse "Nick" Manley, Jr., age 66, of Carnesville, GA passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Born January 21, 1959 in Royston, GA, he was the son of Helen Pruitt Manley and the late Nelson Jesse Manley, Sr.

Like his father before him, Mr. Manley retired contract manager with Duke Energy after working with the company for forty-two years.  While at Duke, Nick progressed from a laborer in Chesnee, SC to Oconee Nuclear Station Maintenance Director.

In addition to his dedicated career with Duke, Nick had many accomplishments through his involvement with dirt track racing.  Nick was taken to his first race at Lavonia Speedway as a teenager and was hooked from then on.  After quickly learning that he was not cut out to drive the cars himself, Nick would then build and sell his own cars, and was a crew chief to many.  Nick went on to be an integral member of many racing teams, include those Buck Simmons, Steve "Hotrod" LaMance, and Larry Moore, each of whom are featured in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in Walton, Kentucky.

While focusing on racing and his career at Duke Energy, Nick became a father of Elizabeth (Beth).  He would often take her to the track with him, and even let her lend a hand in his shop after teaching her how to use a rivet gun.  These shop lessons were often taught alongside mentorship and tutelage that shaped his daughter's life and which still guide her today.

Nick would continue to be involved in racing until the end of his life, providing advice and guidance to younger drivers and race track enthusiasts.

In 2014, Nick met the love of his life, Dana Hewitt, and they married in the same year.  Dana and her son Austin, together with Nick and his daughter Beth, were united from then on as a family.  This brought Nick the greatest joy of his life.  After a few years, and just when he thought things couldn't get better, Nick and Dana became grandparents on September 18, 2021 thanks to Austin and his wife Lauren.  From that point on, Nick became "Groucho", and fulfilled his greatest role yet.  When he wasn't at his race car shop, Nick could be found on his tractor with his beloved granddaughter, Ansley.

Following his retirement from Duke Energy, Nick spent time with his wife, daughter, step-son, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, and his constant four-legged companion, Baxter.

Family members include his mother, Helen Pruitt Manley; wife, Dana Hewitt Manley; daughter, Beth Manley; step-son, Austin Rose (Lauren); grandchildren, Ansley Rose, Emmy Rose and Peyton Rose; brother, Pruitt Todd Manley (Lori); mother-in-law, Dianne Hewitt; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Ann Carter.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 6pm – 8pm Monday, June 16, 2025.

Funeral services will be held from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary at eleven o'clock Tuesday, June 17, 2025 with Dr. Tommy Childress officiating.

Burial will follow at Roselane Cemetery.  The Carnesville Masonic Lodge #186 will provide Masonic Rites.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  Tim King, Brett Manley, Parris Simmons, Jacob Andrews, Jonathan Carter, David Vaughn, Casey Brown and Lance Chitwood.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net
Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Nelson Jesse "Nick" Manley, Jr.