George Joseph “Joe” Nickles, 77, of Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2001, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born January 8, 1934 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Walter and Olive Etna Pollitt Nickles.

He was a retired union carpenter from Local #437 where he worked for over 30 years. Joe was associated with New Life Family Worship Center, and he was an Air Force veteran and member of the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion.

Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Roberta Maurine Hammond Nickles. They were married December 31, 1954 by the Reverend Muncy in Greenup, Kentucky. Also surviving are three sons, Tom (Sonia) Nickles of Kettering, OH, Randy (Janie) Nickles of McDermott, and Darrell (Christa) Nickles of Plainfield, IL; two brothers, Virgil Nickles of West Portsmouth, and Arthur Nickles of Piketon; two sisters, Bonnie James of Ferron, Utah, and Donna Jean Bradley of New Boston; eight grandchildren, Ryan Nickles, Jacqueline (Tony) Shiveley, Kristin Nickles, Andy Nickles, Allison Nickles, Jordan Nickles, Chase Nickles, and Drake Nickles; one great-grandchild, Elyn Shiveley; an aunt, Genevieve Fultz of Portsmouth; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Hammond of Dayton, Jesse Hammond and Tony Hammond, both of Otway.

In addition to his parents, Joe was also preceded in death by a son, Rodney Joseph Nickles; and a sister, Colleen Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Rev. Mike Gifford officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, with military graveside rites by the James Dickey Post Honor Detail.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 to

2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662, or Sierra’s Haven, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Online condolences may be sent to www.RalphF

scott.com.