Walter "Scotty" Nickells

Walter Scott Nickells, affectionately known as Scotty, passed away peacefully at Danbury Senior Living in Tallmadge, Ohio, at the age of 88.

Born in Prairie Lea, Texas, on September 20, 1937, Scotty was the beloved son of Walter Miles Nickells and Ora Mae Walker. The youngest of the family, he grew up alongside his brother, James Bryan, and his sisters, Lois Mae and Eunice Inez, residing on an oil field, surrounded by the "Big Thicket" and the ever-present sulfur air. During his youth, he spent many summers swimming and boating at Smith Point, a small coastal community on Galveston Bay.

In high school, his playful spirit often showed in lighthearted pranks, like hot wiring school buses for joyrides on the football field and painting his initials on the school roof. What once kept his classmates entertained later became funny stories he loved to share with his children and grandchildren.

Scotty attended Saratoga High School, where he first met Anna Wava. Their relationship grew stronger as students at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas. After graduation, Scotty served in the Air National Guard of Texas and the Reserve of the United States Air Force for five years.

Scotty and Wava were married on March 31, 1961. Their lives were brightened by the arrival of their children, Alan Scott, born June 8, 1962, and Jana Kay, born August 6, 1967. March 2025 marked their 64th wedding anniversary.

In 1961, Scotty began his accounting career with Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. in Texas. In 1968 he relocated to Akron, Ohio, continuing a career that spanned more than 40 years. His work brought him to temporarily live in Chicago and Nashville and allowed many overseas trips including Australia and Europe. Upon his retirement in 2001, his coworkers fondly remarked, "Sunshine left the building!", a testament to his positive spirit.

Scotty and Wava made it a priority to visit family back home in Texas each year, keeping their roots strong. Together they enjoyed playing Bridge with friends and family game nights of Euchre and Pictionary that were always filled with laughter. He also passed down his passion of golf and bowling to his son Alan, creating memories both on the lanes and on the course. Holidays were another highlight for Scotty, cooking meals for his family and serving his signature corn and potato casseroles, which became treasured traditions. You could always find Scotty outside, tending to his yard and landscaping with pride. Rest was not in his vocabulary.

Above all, Scotty cherished being a husband, father, Papa, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his easygoing nature, sweet spirit, kindness, and generosity.

Scotty was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Miles Nickells and Ora Mae Walker; his brother, James Bryan Nickells; his sisters, Lois Mae Rhodes and Eunice Inez Shivers; and his daughter, Kami Lynette.

He is survived by his wife, Wava; son, Alan Nickells (Gail) of Ellicott City, MD; grandchildren, Alyssa (Nick) and Scott; daughter, Jana Kriz (Brian Richardson) of Port Charlotte, FL; grandchildren, Evan (Heather), Andrea, and Brett; great-grandchildren, Nichole (John), Olivia, and Violet; and great-great-grandchild, Oliver.

A private celebration of Scotty's life will be held, honoring his legacy and the many lives he touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in lieu of flowers.

The Parkinson Foundation
1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York NY 10018