Rickey Joe Nickels

Rickey Joe “Bigbear” Nickels, age 57 of Raven, VA passed away on, Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Tazewell Community Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Grundy, Virginia and was the son of the late Amos Eugene and Janice Lee Mullins Nickels. Rickey was a great outdoorsmen, he loved hunting, fishing, boating and 4-wheeling. He loved anything to do with the outdoors. He also enjoyed playing his guitar and teaching his grandkids how to play. Rickey loved to make pictures and learn about his family’s history and genealogy. He was well known for his mischievous nature, he so enjoyed playing games, joking and pulling pranks on his grandkids. They were his heart and soul, and brought great joy to his life. He will be truly missed by all his family and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Rickey Lee Nickels, Jr., his grandparents, Bill and Maggie Ratliff Nickels and Oliver and Izettie Elkins Mullins. Those remaining to carry on his spirit are: His loving wife of 38 years, Beth Ann Keen Nickels of Raven, VA Sons: Rickey Lee Nickels and fiancé Marcie Maggard of Richlands, VA Shannon Eugene Nickels and wife, Amy Nicole of Raven, VA Daughter, Sherry Nicole Nickels Blankenship and husband Jeffery Lee of Raven, VA His twin Brother, Ronald Lee Nickels and wife, Joyce Ann of Pounding Mill, VA His sister, Rita Lynn Nickels Phillips and husband Jack of Oakwood, VA He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Stephanie and Hunter Nickels, Whitney Abigail Nickels and Tiffany Amber Johnson, Shannon Eugene Nickels, II, Heaven Faith Nickels, Gabriel Lee Nickels and Rashell Bobby Jean Nickels, Drake Lee Blankenship and Melody Hope Blankenship. Two step-grandchildren, Alissa M. and Cadace Kiara Asbury. Nieces, Rhonda Ann Nickels Vandyke and husband, Bobby Ray, Courtney Phillips and Beverly Leighann Hampton. Nephew, Zackary Phillips. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at the Cline-Johnson Cemetery on Red Root Ridge, VA, with the Rev. Johnny Marrs officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Rickey Joe Nickels

January 15, 1960 - March 25, 2017