Ronald J. Nickell, Sr. Obituary

Reverend Ronald J. Nickell, Sr, 94, changed addresses on Friday, November 8th, 2024, when he moved from this world to his eternal home and saw the face of his Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Reverend Nickell was born on July 19th, 1930, in Ezel, Kentucky. Left behind is a wonderful example of what a true bondservant of Christ looks like. 

Even though he was a Doctor of Divinity, the title he loved best was Pastor. An under shepherd to many Southern Baptist churches in Virginia and West Virginia, his calling was to smaller, struggling congregations that needed godly leadership to set them back on their feet, strengthen their faith, and grow into mature believers. Over his 45 years of pastoring, he led hundreds to saving faith in Christ. His legacy is one of hard work and dedication to our Lord.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father, William O. Nickell, mother, Ethel Hughes Nickell, his siblings, Irene Back, Louise Hayslett, Nelda Nickell, Ruby Kincer, Meryl Nickell, Beryl Nickell, and twin brother Donald Nickell. 

Left behind to carry on the work he began so many years ago are his wife, Mary Nickell, his three sons and their wives, Gregory Nickell and wife Donna, Ronald Nickell, Jr. and wife Patty, and Gary Nickell and wife Karen.

He loved his grandchildren, Christina Sandridge (James), Valerie Pham (Marc), Julie Knowles (Chris), Kimberly Nickell, Tabitha Reagan (Chris), Eric Nickell (Mandi), and Tiffany Nickell (Jason), along with great-grandchildren Tyler Sandridge, Nickolas Sandridge, Brady Pham, Ethan Pham, Olivia Pham, Landon Owen, Rylee Nickell, Eli Nickell, Kai Reagan, Charlie Reagan, Chloe Chisholm, Lucas Chisholm, Pearl Chisholm, and Alyssa Staton. He was also ‘Uncle Ronald’ to many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Intensive Care and Palliative Care Units at Lynchburg General Hospital, Dr. Paul Bennett, and the several sitters for their wonderful care and compassion. You will never be forgotten. 

 A visitation for local friends will be on Friday, November 15th, from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home, 667 Court Street, Appomattox. The memorial service will be held at Mt. Ed Baptist Church, 1606 Craigs Store Road, Batesville, Virginia on Saturday, November 16th, at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. Burial will be at the church cemetery with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall. 

Presiding over the service will be Rev. Jeff Slaughter, Rev. Robert Wilson, Rev. Steve Bradshaw, and Pastor Ron Nickell, Jr.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com