Obituaries

In Memory of
Fred Paul Mickel
- March 3, 2022

Interment:
Mt. View Memory Gardens, Maher, WV

Fred Paul Mickel, 91, of Williamson, WV, passed away on March 3, 2022 at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY.

Affectionately called, Freddie, by family and friends, his passing was very peaceful, and he had expressed his desire to go home to his Jesus.

Born July 4, 1930, in Williamson, WV, Fred was the son of the late Abe Radwin Mickel and Nahie Facoury Mickel, both were descendants of Kfeir, Lebanon, settling in Williamson where Abe established a confectionary store on Second Avenue in 1925 and named it The Sweet Shop. Abes brother, Nimer, also had a business on Third Avenue and it was called The Sugar Bowl. The Sweet Shop had the first popcorn machine in Williamson. At the time, Williamson had three movie theaters, Cinderella, Mingo and Lyric. As people went to the movies, Abe started popping corn and it could be smelled all over Second Avenue.

In addition to his parents Fred was preceded in death by his brothers, Mitchell Mickel and his wife, Linda Mickel and Alex Mickel and his wife, Nadine Mickel, a sister, Gloria Mickel Bevins and her husband, Robert Bob Bevins and a nephew, David Mickel.

Popular among his classmates and peers, Fred was a 1949 graduate of Williamson High School. He went on to attend Marshall University, but his education was interrupted by the Korean War and he left school to serve in the United States Army as a sergeant with the 64th tank battalion, 3rd division. At the conclusion of his honorable military service he returned to Marshall University to continue his studies and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.

In 1957 Fred took over the operation of the Sweet Shop and the name of the store eventually changed to “Mickel’s.” The disastrous flood of 1977 inundated the store building with twelve feet of water. The store, which was a restaurant and bookstore by this time, was destroyed. In returning to business, the restaurant was not replaced, and the store mainly sold books, magazines and tobacco. Once again, Fred was always at the store, from opening to closing. He thoroughly enjoyed greeting customers, many of whom came to the store daily and became like family. Mickels remained one of Williamsons most beloved and favorite establishments among locals. The store was very popular among area youth as a meeting place and place to pick up snacks and spend some time with friends while on lunch or after dismissal from school in the afternoon. Fred was very good to the young people who came into the store; however, he didn’t put up with any nonsense, and everyone knew it. It was a safe and friendly environment and many kids spent Saturday afternoon at the store selecting comic books. A beloved era in the history of downtown Williamson, memories of the store now bring to mind the smell of French fries, hamburgers and hot ham and cheese sandwiches, fountain Coke’s, books, magazines, tobacco and the best candy counter around. After operating the store for more than four decades, Fred made the decision to retire in 1999 and the store closed. The memories, however live on.

In addition to the daily operation of the store, Fred was very active in the community and busy with a variety of church and civic activities. He was a lifetime member of Saint Pauls Episcopal Church where he served as junior warden and oversaw the care and maintenance needs of the facility. He also served as a crucifer. He was a founding member of the Williamson High School Reunion Committee and he was very involved in orchestrating plans for several all-class reunions, the largest of which had more than 1,000 graduates in attendance. Fred loved assisting with the organizing, hosting and attending all the activities and events. He especially enjoyed seeing and spending time with former classmates. He was a member of The Loyal Order of Moose, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Masonic Lodge O’Brien #101 Grand Lodge of West Virginia AF&AM, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, York Rite of Freemasonry, Beni Kedem Temple, serving as the local president for a term and he was also a member of the Post #49 American Legion.

Fred had several pastimes that he enjoyed which included listening to music, especially jazz and instrumental music. He was an avid fan of the Sam Kenton Band and he was also a big fan of Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra. He was an avid reader. Novels and newspapers were among his favorite reading materials. He absolutely loved to drive and travel. His grandson loved trains, so they often got into the car and found a train to drive along with.

In the later years of his life, Freds greatest pleasure was to spend time with his family. There was no greater love than the love he had for his wife and his family. He adored his grandchildren and he was fortunate to be able to follow and attend his grandson’s athletic events. He never missed a ballgame, at home or on the road, he was always there to support and cheer them on. He equally cheered them on in their academic endeavors. He truly glowed with pride. He was very proud of the achievements of his daughters and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fred was such an icon in the City of Williamson. He enjoyed his life as it unfolded, and while he suffered through the devastation and rebuilding of his business, after the 1977 flood, he remained a steadfast presence in the business community. He had a heart of gold and he was always willing to give of his time and resources. He made an impression on everyone who met him with his kind disposition, ready smile and distinct laughter. He looked for and found the best in others no matter the situation. Men like Fred are too few and far between these days. He was truly one-of-a-kind and while his passing leaves those who knew him saddened, he also leaves a personal legacy of wonderful memories not only to his family, but to the community in which he lived, spent his life and contributed so very much. Long after his passing, he will be thought of and remembered with deep and abiding love and affection.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the following providers for the professional, compassion and incredibly loving care and attention they each provided to Fred. The love, kindness and care he received from each agency made these later years of his life so much more pleasant, enjoyable and manageable than they might have been otherwise. We thank Dr. Ashen Ali Butt, MD, and staff, James Stanley, NP, STAT and Appalachian First Response Ambulance Services, Williamson Fire Department, Coalfield CAP for the delicious daily meals, Dignity Hospice Home Health and the Veteran’s Administration for the wonderful and compassionate care Fred received along with all the equipment that was so valuable to him in assisting with his mobility.

Fred is survived by his loving and devoted wife whom he adored, Sarah Elizabeth Stacy Mickel, three beautiful daughters, Debra L. Nassar of Williamson, WV, Paula Mickel of South Carolina and Tonya and her husband, Julius Hatcher of Williamson, his beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Dean Sims of Kennesaw, GA, Justin Dean of Charleston, WV, Julius Alexander Hatcher IV of Williamson, WV and Josiah Abraham Hatcher also of Williamson, WV; two great-grandchildren, Jalen Loughry and Emma Loughry; four very special and loving nieces, Sherry (John) Parrish, Sandy (Kim) Ruder and Denise (Ron) Russell, and Sharmon Mickel, nephews, Kevin (Tammy) Bevins and Thomas (Carol) Bevins, along with several great-nieces and nephews, a very close cousin and lifetime friend, Raymond Abraham, longtime and very dear friends, Carlene (Larry, deceased) Nunley, and Janeine Hatfield-Wilson. Also surviving are Fred’s home health providers who over time became like family, Elizabeth, Bethany, Robin and Tammi.

Visitation is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday, March 11, 2022 at Weaver Mortuary in West Williamson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 411 Prichard Street, Williamson, WV 25661. Reverend Nick England will officiate.

Interment is in the Mountain View Memory Gardens at Maher, WV where military honors will be presented by the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 141, Belfry, KY.

Pallbearers include Kevin Bevins, Thomas Bevins, Julius Hatcher, Julius Alexander Hatcher, IV, Josiah Hatcher, Yossi Hayon and Ron Russell.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contribution in Fred’s memory be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 411 Prichard Street Williamson, WV 25661.

You may express online condolences at www.weavermourtuaryinc.com.

Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the Mickel family.



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Services Visitation Friday, March 11, 2022 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Weaver Mortuary 1718 WEST 3RD AVENUE WILLIAMSON, West Virginia 25661

Funeral Service Saturday, March 12, 2022 11:00 AM St. Paul's Episcopal Church