A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Maben for Mr. Charles Edwin Nickels, 78, of Maben, who died on Thursday, Oct. 21, from complications resulting from a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. All friends and family were invited to attend.
Charles was born to parents Otto and Ola Mae in Maben, where he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Maben High School in 1962. He was employed by Babcock and Wilcox in West Point, where he worked as a certified welder and weld inspector for 31 years. In addition to being a master welder, he was also an accomplished carpenter and handyman.
With the help of many good friends, Charles built his home and his brother’s home. He was always busy with one project or another. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many years competing in bass tournaments, excelling in the sport. He was a simple man, who took pleasure in the simple things in life.
Above all, Charles loved his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved to have family fish fries with his loved ones gathered in one place. He enjoyed playing card games, including Spades, Rook and Rummy or playing Dominoes. He loved a good friendly competition.
His parents; his wife, Sarah Nickels; brothers, Carl Nickels and Billy Nickels, and sisters, Nell Kyle and Mary Nickels, preceded Charles in death.
Survivors include, his daughters, Melissa Neely (Lee) of Holcomb, Emily Tindall (Jim) of Grenada and Jennifer Kimbrough (Ryan) of Starkville; sons, Jamie Gable (Fran) of New Hope and Jerry Gable (Denise) of Clinton; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor and memory of Charles Edwin Nickels.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.welchfuneralhomes.com
Welch Funeral Home in Starkville was in charge of arrangements.
