resulting from a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A memorial to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 24, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Maben, Mississippi. All friends and family are invited to attend.
Charles was born to parents Otto and Ola Mae in Maben, Mississippi, where he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Maben High School in 1962. Charles was employed by Babcock and Wilcox in West Point, Mississippi, 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, he 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.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Melissa Neely (Lee) of Holcomb, MS; Emily Tindall (Jim) of Grenada, MS; Jennifer Kimbrough (Ryan) of Starkville, MS; sons, Jamie Gable (Fran) of New Hope, MS; and Jerry Gable (Denise) of Clinton, MS; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sarah Nickels; brothers, Carl Nickels and Billy Nickels; sisters, Nell Kyle and Mary Nickels.
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 and loved a good friendly competition.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor
and memory of Charles Edwin Nickels.
