Lennel Thomas Nickell, 85, was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2026, at 1:36 p.m. He passed away at his daughter’s home in Clarkesville, Georgia, surrounded by his daughters, Karen and Denisa, his son-in-law, Scott, and his grandson, Kyle.
Lennel was born on January 11, 1941, in Spargusville, Ohio, to the late Finley and Bertha Mae (Anderson) Nickell. He was the fifth child of nine siblings. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Lennel was a man of many skills. Throughout his life, he worked as a crane operator for the Army, a mechanic, and a truck driver. He also was a proud owner of two Texaco gas stations. He was known for his incredible green thumb and took great joy in gardening and growing the best vegetables. He also enjoyed meeting up with his friends at McDonalds daily as well.
One special memory was that he took care of his younger brother (Billy) and when they both got baptized together alongside his granddaughter Kara in the river in New Market, TN with his grandson Kyle assisting the pastor. Above all, Lennel could always be counted on for support in times of need, whatever it may be.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rebecca Joyce (Kaskuske) Nickell of Shawnee, Oklahoma, who passed away on September 21, 2023. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edgar and Bill Nickell, and his sisters, Betty Imogene Roberts, Mary Francis Hickman, Carolyn Sykes, Virginia Wilson and his first son Lennel T Nickell Jr. He joined his sister, Esther Lecrone in Heaven just two days after her passing, so now they are taking their journey together.
He is survived by his five children: David Blackstone (wife Chris), Karen Rushnell (husband Scott), Daren Nickell (wife April), Denisa Smith, and Ryan Nickell; his nine grandchildren: Bo, Kyle, Tara, Kalin, Kally, Jessica, Kaleb, Kara and Mason; and his 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Sharon Ploughe of North Carolina.
A funeral service will be held on June 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home in Cambridge, Ohio, followed by his sister, Esther Lecrones service with their graveside services to follow at Northwood Cemetery in Cambridge, as well.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Inc 139 S 9th Street Cambridge, Ohio 43725 Telephone: 740-439-1365 Website: www.thorn-blackfuneralhomes.com
Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
