“SHANGHAI” RUFUS EDWARDS NICKLES

I Timothy 4: 7 & 8  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 the day; and not to me only but unto all them that love his appearing.
“Shanghai” Rufus Edward Nickles, a beloved figure of Southwest Virgina, sadly left this world on April 24, 2025, at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville after a long and difficult battle with leukemia. His wife, Kim, son, Christian and sister, Betty were by his side.
Shanghai was a beacon of light and hope in our community, touching lives through sports, radio, community service, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who met him.
He was born on January 23, 1949, in Hurley and a proud resident of Clintwood. This man was unique-everyone knew him by one name-Shanghai. No matter where you were, you were asked about Shanghai. He had a quick wit, was a light to everyone who knew him and was always trying to make people laugh.
Shanghai was preceded in death by his parents, Dora and John Nickles, daughter, Chasity Lee Sunshine Glisson and nephew Brent Fleming.
Survivors include his wife, Kimberlin Nickles, Clintwood; son, Christian Nickles of Mooresburg, Tn.; daughter, Lauren Nickles Potter and husband Dr. Tommy Potter of Wise; his brother, Bill Nickles and wife Nancy of Mi.; his sister, Betty Fleming of Clintwood; four grandchildren, Thomas Potter, Harper Potter, Abraham Potter and Quinton Potter all of Wise; several nieces and nephews and a very special little guy, Harrison James Billings.
Shanghai was a 1967 graduate of Ervinton High School and a graduate of Don Martin School of Broadcasting in Los Angeles, Ca. He was a faithful member of Valley View Freewill Baptist Church and served a time as Sunday school superintendent. Shanghai was station manager of Dickenson County Broadcasting Corporation-WDIC radio, served two terms on the Dickenson County School Board from the Ervinton District, a member of the Dickenson County Hospital Foundation Board, a member of the McClure River Kiwanis Club, he was a MET GO driver and was presented the hometown hero award by Modern Woodman.
Shanghai was an avid golfer, loved traveling, antique cars and trucks and loved driving the MET GO bus for Mountain Empire Older Citizens, but his first love was radio where he spent 39 years at WDIC.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the caring staff at the University of Virginia Hospital and Piedmont Hospice of Charlottesville.
A Celebration of Life service for “Shanghai” Rufus Edward Nickles was conducted at 7 p.m., on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at Valley View Freewill Baptist Church of Clintwood with Pastor Kelly Fleming and Pastor Lynn Vanover officiating. The family received friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family and friends met at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Valley View Freewill Baptist Church for prayer and song and then proceeded to Phipps Memorial Cemetery for a graveside service.
Pallbearers were Christian Nickles, Thomas Potter, Abraham Potter, Quinton Potter, Mike Gulley, A.C. Blevins, Heath Paul Ratliff and Derek Robbins. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Curran, John Sabo, David Vanover, Luke Varner, Donnie Gillenwater, Stacy Potter, Bobby Hammons, Deacon Rick Mullins, Allen Lane, Jon Michael Fleming, Dr. Thomas Potter, Dougie Mullins, Bently Brockhoff, Gene Carswell, Harold Mullins and Richard Edwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Valley View Youth Program.