Smitty Nickles

Earl ‘Smitty’ Nickles, 82, of Donalds, husband of Margaret Wilson Nickles, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born in Donalds to the late Earle S. and Margaret Smith Nickles.

Smitty, a 1959 graduate of Dixie High School, retired from CSX Railroad after 46 years of dedicated service as a conductor. He enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, hunting, traveling to Gatlinburg, TN and spending time with his family. Smitty was a member of Greenville Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Christina Margaret Nickles and a sister-in-law, Georgeann M. Nickles.

Smitty is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margaret, of the home; his children, Monica Patterson (Carey) of the home, Brent Nickles of Donalds, Jamie Nickles (Misty) and Sherrie Dansby (Bob) all of Abbeville; a brother Joe W. Nickles of Donalds; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two nieces.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM - 7:00PM, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00PM, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Greenville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Donovan Campbell and Rev. Eldridge Kelly officiating. The family requests those attending wear casual dress.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be past and present CSX employees. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at the home.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Smitty, may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriner’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Nickles family.