Jack D. Pickels, age 80, died Saturday, July 25 in Madison.
Funeral services will be Monday, 11 a.m., on July 27, at New Home Baptist Church with burial at San Pedro Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m., at Beggs Funeral Home.
He was born in Perry, and at a young age the family moved to Madison County near Shaw then Country Kitchen Road, before settling near the New Home area. He was instrumental in starting New Home Volunteer Fire Department in 1977 and was Chief the entire time. He loved gospel singing and would camp at the Spirit of Suwannee. He was the owner of Jack’s Saw Shop and US. 90 Repair Shop. He loved fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Simmie Andrews Pickels of Madison; Stanley “Stan” Harvard Pickels (Beverly) and Howard Benjamin (Donna) both of Madison; one daughter, Crystal Renee Bish of Valdosta, Ga.; one brother, Leo Pickels (Laredo) of Madison; seven grandchildren: Bradley Harvard Pickels (Sherilyn), Brian Bish (Amanda), Ben Pickels (Kailey), Aubri Bish, Alaina Pickels (Matthew), Ashton Lynn Pickels, Daniel Havard (Allyce Rutherford); five great-grandchildren
He was predeceased in death by his parents: Joseph Benjamin and Agnes Pickels and one sister, Maxine LaValley.
Donations may be made to New Home Baptist Church, 1100 SW Moseley Hall Rd., Madison, Florida 32340
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (850) 973-2258. You may send your condolences to the family by visiting the website at www.beggsfuneral.com.