Darrol Nickels

Kingsport, TN - Darrol Stallard Nickels, 87, died Friday, May 30, 2014 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Born January 10, 1927 in Toms Creek (Wise County) VA, he grew up in Benham (Harlan County) KY and graduated from Berea College Academy (high school) in Berea, KY. He attended East Tennessee State University. Darrol served in the Army during World War II. In 1987 he retired from the Research Division of Tennessee Eastman Co., (Kodak) after 40 years of service.

Darrol belonged to several conservation organizations and was one of the organizers of the State of Franklin Group (Northeast Tennessee) of the Sierra Club. He was a founding member of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC). As a member of Tenn. Eastman Hiking Club, he served for 38 years as a volunteer maintainer on the Appalachian Trail (AT). As the Club's structures overseer he coordinated the design, procurement, and construction of bridges along the AT in Northeast, TN.

Darrol researched, explored and advocated for the area of Iron Mountain which became (by Congressional action) The Big Laurel Branch Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forrest. He, along with others, advocated for a park on the side of River Mountain (Bays Mountain); Darrol wrote the resolution which after one added stipulation was passed by The Hawkins County Court and established Laurel Run Park - across the river from Church Hill.

In 2000 he was one of the 75 people nationwide named to The AT Conservancy "Honor Roll of Volunteers." In 2004 he received The President's Call to Service award for over 4000 hours of volunteer service.

Darrol was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Georgia Ruth Osborne Nickels. He often paid tribute to her for her help through his life journey; parents, James W. and Venus Stallard Nickels; stepmother, Charlotte Osborne Nickels; sisters, Margaret Ruth Nickels Meniketti and Kathryn Nickels; and brother, Douglas S. Nickels and wife, Cora Saylor Nickels.

Survivors include, daughters, Patricia Nickels Helsley and husband, Ray, Jr. of Arden, NC, and Pamela Nickels Minnick and husband, Keith of Kingsport; son, Darrol Gregory "Greg" Nickels and wife, Linda Smith Nickels; grandchildren, Ray Helsley III and wife, Brooke Mullen Helsley of Memphis, TN, Ashley Helsley Cox and husband, Lt. A.J. of North Pole, Alaska, Brandon Minnick, Kristen Minnick, Gregory C. Nickels and Roger Nickels all of Kingsport and Patricia Hardin and husband, Clay of Elizabethton, TN; eight great-grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 on Monday, June 2, 2014 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 7:30 with Rev. Ray Amos officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to the SAHC, 34 Wall St., suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801.

Cemetery Details