William Lee Nickell

William Lee Nickell was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on June 4, 2014 after suffering from mixed dementias for five years. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2009, vascular dementia in 2012, and Lewy Body dementia in 2013. Bill was born on February 12, 1941 in Maysville, Kentucky to Jo Ellen Tate Nickell and Herman Coleman Nickell. He grew up in California and Texas. He was pre-deceased by his parents, and his precious pooches, Ginger and Whitney. Bill is survived by his daughters Barbara Bea Nickell and husband Steven Gray of Los Angeles; Becky Lee Gregory and husband, Gary of Ft. Myers (children Jimmy and Nicole); Julie Ann Hudson and husband James of Bartow (children Madison, Jesse, Nicole, John, and Isaiah); Robin Lee Nickell of Sarasota (children Brody and Braxton); step-son Bruce Knierim of Lakeland (children Coty and Tyler); step-daughter Sally Van Meter of Lakeland (children Dustin and Tiffany); half-brother Toby French and wife Mary of Maryland and their children Vicky and Robby; Mother-in-law Ethelyn Burnette of Birmingham; sister-in-law Vivian Hearn and husband Dan of Birmingham; and his loving wife and best friend for over 27 years, Sherrie Burnette Nickell, and their adorable pet Schnoodle, Bella. Bill proudly served his country as a paratrooper during the Vietnam conflict, and jumped over Laos and Cambodia. He considered himself quite the patriot and loyal flag-waver. He loved this country and the freedoms we enjoy, and took great delight each 4th of July in attending patriot parades and watching “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Having the effervescent, outgoing personality that he did, most of his career was spent in various positions involving sales and marketing. He owned American Hearing Clinics and relished in being able to give the gift of hearing. Ironically, Bill did a lot of public speaking on hearing aide science as well as the research between hearing loss and dementia. He enjoyed the time he spent volunteering at the USF/ Rath Center for Seniors in Bartow. Bill had a dramatic conversion experience when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ over thirty years ago, and cherished opportunities to share his faith with others. For about a decade, Bill led the Lakeland Christian Center Church, a storefront ministry that provided a casual setting and welcomed folks in a “come just as you are” manner. The ministry also included the Fire Escape, a weekend outreach ministry to teens. He so enjoyed leading people in the prayer for salvation, or extending a hand to those in need. Bill also appreciated the fellowship and friendship with other area ministers through his affiliation with the Lakeland Ministerial Alliance. Bill was so thankful for God’s amazing grace that he shared at every opportunity. He knew that the real evidence of the power of God was a truly changed life, and he was living proof of that. Bill and Sherrie met in 1986 at a Christian retreat held at Masterpiece Gardens in Lake Wales. They married at Chapel-by-the-Sea on Captiva Island on April 11, 1987. They were soul mates and were true partners in life. Because they both enjoyed the adventure of travel they took many wonderful vacations together. Bill was Sherrie’s biggest fan and her constant cheerleader. Sherrie attributes any success she realized to her Lord, her parents, and to Bill- who believed she could do anything. He never said a cross word to Sherrie, and they treasured each day together. He shamelessly spoiled her at every opportunity- whether it was sending bouquets of flowers “just because” or leaving sweet messages on her voice mail with his melodic voice singing, “I just called to say I love you.” He was always surprising her with cards or gifts, or a spontaneous trip to a favorite restaurant for an elegant dinner. Their marriage was a remarkable example of how two very different people can live together for 27 years without arguing, fighting or saying anything disparaging to each other. With God at the center of their relationship, it was strong and always loving, and withstood the test of time. Bill and Sherrie have been attending Victory Church for many years. They have been blessed by and appreciate the ministry of Pastor Wayne Blackburn and the entire Victory family. Bill was a remarkable man. He never met a stranger, and had a heart bigger than Texas. Bill loved life. He loved his children and his wife, and, above all, he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was generous and quietly helped many in their time of need. Bill was accepting and inclusive. He bristled at any sign of discrimination or injustice, and went to bat for the underdog on numerous occasions. He looked for ways to get to “yes,” and believed that things that seemed impossible to the normal person were, in fact, possible through God. If Bill could leave a last message, he would encourage everyone to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. The family wishes to thank our wonderful friends for all the love and support we have received during Bill’s long and difficult struggle with dementia. We are sad for our loss, but rejoice in knowing that Bill is in a much better place, and that he has been made whole. Bill will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Friday, June 6th at 3:30 p.m. at Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Road, Lakeland, Florida. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Church, The USF/ Johnny Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, The Alzheimer’s Association, Hawthorne Inn of Lakeland, or Good Shepherd Hospice House.

William Lee Nickell

February 21, 1941 - June 4, 2014