Richard Nettles

April 4, 1942 - December 10, 2018

Richard Marcel Nettles, age 76, passed away Monday, December 10, 2018 in Birmingham, Alabama. A Home-Going Celebration will be held at Hardy-Towns Funeral Home in Eastman, Georgia on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Hoyt Ainsworth. The family will receive friends following the service. Dr. Nettles grew up in Douglas, Georgia and graduated from Georgia State with a degree of Business Administration. He became a successful business man within Matthews Furniture Company. In 1984, he changed the course of his life by following a call to the ministry. Upon securing a Masters of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Biblical Studies from Andersonville Theological Seminary, he continued his ministry to many as a pastor, counselor and friend. Serving the Lord with his whole heart, and with Joyce by his side, he fulfilled his calling in the areas of Rhome, Texas; Monte Vista, Colorado and Ridgeland, Mississippi. Retiring from full-time ministry he began a new chapter with Restoration Ministries and continued serving locally and abroad. This past year, Richard accepted a position as Minister to Senior Adults at Community Baptist Church in Maylene, AL. Richard had the opportunity to teach, preach, baptize, marry, serve and share Christ with many. Spending time with his children and grandchildren truly captured his heart. He loved telling stories, sneaking candy, playing in the snow, playing games and going fishing. Memories of these times will be cherished by all. He is survived by Joyce Burch Nettles, his wife of 41 years; sister, Brenda Philips (Gary) of Douglas, GA; daughters Valerie Touchstone (Kevin) of Tifton, GA, Ronda Chandler (Jere) of Helena, AL, Karen Sager (Jerry) of Hoover, AL and Debora Dixon of Winterville, GA; sons Chris Stark (Amanda) of Trussville, AL and Derek Stark (Christy) of Helena, AL; grandchildren Jordan Hall (McKenzie), Justin Ingram, Bethany Sager, Ashton Stark Otts, Garrett Sager, Victoria Stark, Alyson Chandler, Casey Stark, Corbin Dixon, Drew Chandler, Skylar Stark, Mia Dixon, Remy Stark, Emmy Stark; great grandson Grayson Otts and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Lucy Nettles and granddaughters, Christina and Brooke Stark. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Community Baptist Church, 8254 Highway 17, P.O. Box 159, Maylene, AL 35114 or to Gideon’s International to continue his witness of Jesus Christ. A Home-Going Celebration, officiated by Pastor Bo Brown, will be held at Community Baptist Church in Maylene, Alabama on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10:00am. Visitation will follow. Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of arrangements. www.hardy-towns.com