Bennie Paul Mickels

Bennie Paul Mickels the eldest of eight siblings.  He was born to Paul and Vera Alford Mickels on January 14, 1936 in Pittsview, Alabama.  Bennie attended Benevolent Grove Baptist in Pittsview. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in the mid 2000's while living in Indianapolis, Indiana.He graduated from Oliver High In Seale, AL in 1956.Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Vera Mickels, brother Howard Eugene Mickels, former wife Nancy Hunter, and Sister Susie Mickels Pryor.
 

He leaves to cherish his memories: His beloved wife, Lillie B. Starkes Beard Mickels currently of Pensacola FL. They have Five Daughters By Marriage, and Son, His Siblings areEvangelist Dorothy Mickels Brown of New York,Ny, Thomas Mickels of Southfield, Mi, Louise Stringer of Marietta,Ga, Vera Baylor of Solon, Oh and Milton Mickels of Columbus, Ga. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bennie was employed at Bibbs Textile Mills for a number of years in Columbus, Georgia and the Russell County Board of Education Transportation Department in Phenix City Alabama.  He finally retired after another 30 years of service at Inland Steel.  He lived the majority of that time in East Chicago, Indiana where he met and fell in love with his devoted wife Lillie.  Withover twenty-six years of marriage to her, Bennie aka Wolf became affectionately known Pappa. Now this new nickname was ascribed to him as a result of his very special and loving relationship with his children by marriage and especially his grandchildren.  There were five daughters, one son, nineteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren all through marriage to Lillie.  He considered them all as his children.

Mr. Mickels was clearly a hard worker, wise and had a big heart.  He never met a stranger. He took his many life experiences translated them into stories where he would create serious but humorously teachable moments.  This he did with anyone he met, no matter how, young old, when, or where.  He genuinely loved people, his friends and family.  He enjoyed good home cooking, and lots of laughs.  He also loved the Word of God and would read his Bible often.  It was a gift from His Sister Evangelist Dorothy Brown.  He took every opportunity to discuss sermons from his favorite televangelist like Apostle R.D. Hinton of Chicago, IL.  His faith was strong, and it remained so until his last days.  He spoke only of the next day that he would see, with God’s grace.  He was looking forward to making plans to go on a trip with his wife and she was looking forward to the end of the Pandemic so they could finally move back further south.  That faithful Friday, morning before day on March 5th, 2021he slipped away peacefully, without complaint but with a heart filled with love, hope and bright expectations.  He thought about the new home that he was planning to move into with his wife, but he transitioned into his new mansion not made with hands into the presence of the Lord.  Thank God he had made his peace with God many years ago and was confident of his resting place.He set a good example of dedication, courage, commitment, and love. His memory will be cherished, and he will be greatly missed.

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