Nelvis Lee Semel

Nelvis Lee Semel, 81, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Born on November 1, 1943, in Cumberland County, Nelvis was the son of the late Nelvis Myrl Lee and Beatrice Edwards Lee. After the death of his father during wartime when Nelvis was an infant, he was lovingly adopted and raised by Philip James Semel.

Nelvis proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated many years to public service with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, retiring as a homicide detective and deputy. During his time with the department, one of his most memorable experiences was escorting Elvis Presley during the singer’s visit to Fayetteville — a special moment for Nelvis, a lifelong Elvis fan.

Nelvis had a passion for life and a wide range of interests. He was a proud member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and loved nothing more than hitting the road on his Harley-Davidson. A devoted sports fan, he cheered enthusiastically for UNC Tar Heel basketball and football. He was also an avid coin collector, finding joy in the stories each coin told.

Known for his sharp wit and endless stories, Nelvis had a great sense of humor that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Family was everything to him. He cherished time around the dinner table with loved ones, believing strongly in the importance of sharing meals and moments together.

In addition to his parents, Nelvis was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene B. Lusk.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Dee Chavis Semel; sons, Phillip Lee Semel and Robert Eugene Semel and wife Erin; stepdaughters, Tonia Rivers and husband Stephen, Dawn Locklear, and Janice Sanderson; granddaughters, Tyler Semel and Sydney Semel; step-grandchildren, Brook Sanderson, Richard McMinn, Brittany McMinn, and many other cherished step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Jernigan-Warren Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com

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