Aaron Nelson Channell

Alabaster

One of this world’s finest men went to heaven on Thursday, Jan. 6.

Reverend Aaron Nelson Channell, age 78, of Alabaster, faithful husband of Estelle Waldrop Channell, passed away at Shelby Baptist Hospital. He is survived by his bride of 62 years; brothers, Douglas Channell (Deb), and Tim Channell; sisters, Maryland Ingram (S.C.), Evelyn Sanders, Betty Gibson, and Starla J. Burrell (Robert); his children, Rick W. Channell (Brenda), Randall L. Channell (Donna), Regina Cherry (Kenny) and daughter-in-law Carolyn D. Channell (Michael); grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jody, Heath, Brandon, Chris, Lane, Clint, Cody, Kendra and Kevin; great-grandchildren,  Macy, Kassie, Tristan, Blakley, Karrington, Kendall, Wesley, Hailey, Autumn; one unborn grandchild and two great-great-grandchildren, Allison Sue and Haley Shay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Nelson and Avle Malinda Channell; brother, Herbert Talmadge (Buddy) Channell, sister, Hazel Channell and son, Michael Nelson Channell, all of Alabama.

Rev. Channell was pastor of several churches in and around central Alabama over a 50-year span, until he was unable to maintain a regular speaking voice due to asbestosis, a condition caused by exposure to asbestos early in his career, while working on a paper mill project. He was called to preach God’s Word early in 1956. Rev. Channell was a member of IBEW-Local 136 and a Master Construction Electrician for over 30 years, once traveling to New York City to find work in the early ’60s. When construction fell off again, he left construction and went to work for the University of Alabama-Birmingham, from which he retired in 1994, after 14 years. He was an expert craftsman, builder, an avid outdoorsman and quite a semi-pro baseball pitcher in young adulthood. He was also was quite an accomplished singer early in his ministerial career. He was an outstanding citizen and cared deeply for the wellbeing of his friends and neighbors, yet he never put anyone or anything before his family or his church. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family and church family beyond words. Most importantly, he served his God with all his heart and soul. His dedication for his church and the work of the Lord was such a beacon to all who knew him. He stood for the right and stood against all wrong.  He taught so many how to know where their eternal home would be and how to live a consecrated, separated life.

His suffering is now over, and he has finished his course. He was faithful until his last breath.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:6-8

Services are open to all who knew him. The body may be viewed from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, I-65 exit #222. For more information, please call (205) 988-3511.

Funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m., with burial in the on-site cemetery.