David Jackson Nolen, age 81, stepped into his eternal life Friday, September 10, 2021, after fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was surrounded by his family who were blessed to see him receive his reward of serving his Lord and Savior. We all know that he is enjoying perfect fellowship with Jesus and with his beloved son Jim and so many other family members in his now perfect body! The family is comforted in knowing that our precious loved one is embraced by his Lord whom he loved so well and trusted so completely
Visitation will be Sunday, September 12 from 4–6 pm in the sanctuary of Gadsden First Baptist Church with the service on Monday, September 13 at 2 pm in the sanctuary at the church as well. Pastor/friends Mat Alexander, Larry Fuhrman, and Harrell Cushing will officiate. Burial in Forrest Cemetery.
He was born in Alexander City on July 12, 1940 to James Jackson (JJ) and Addie McClellan Nolen. One of David’s proudest accomplishments was being an Eagle Boy Scout because he loved serving others from a young age. He loved playing and watching sports all his life—from Little League baseball to high school sports, coaching Little League and youth football, playing and coaching men’s softball and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, David was an enthusiastic player and fan. David also loved to deer hunt with his male family members and his friends in their hunting club in Wadley, Alabama. Every fall until Jim went to heaven, he could be found heading to the hunting club for weekends with his buddies.
David graduated from Gadsden High School in 1958 and was a member of his senior class varsity championship football team. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his whole life, Charlotte (Pug) Jordan on July 16,1960. He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in several capacities until his retirement in 1984 when he bought Steadham Window and Door Company which later became Nolen Glass. He and his son Jim worked as a team, side-by-side every day until the Lord called Jim home in 2012.
David had been interested in serving his city in a political capacity for many years and decided to run for the mayor of Gadsden in 1986. He was elected without a run-off against the incumbent and did his best to make decisions and lead Gadsden to become better than ever before. He loved every minute of meeting so many new people and made lifelong friends from that one term in office. We laughingly teased him that if he ran for office again, we would all divorce and ban him from all family events.
David served his Lord by serving in the church. He and Charlotte (Pug) were active members of James Memorial Baptist until 1970 when they joined First Baptist Church Gadsden where he ministered as a faithful deacon and usher up until the last year or so of his life. He always loved and supported his pastors, and they all loved him in return. He was one of the only male directors of the church nursery—he considered it such a privilege of taking care of the children, and many adults today remember him being so kind and patient in the nursery on Sunday mornings.
David was preceded in death by his adored son Jim Nolen who was called home at the very young age of 48. Instead of letting this tremendous loss make him bitter or defeated, it made him cherish his family and friends even more. He also was preceded in death by his parents, James Jackson (JJ) and Addie Nolen, mother-in-law and father-in-law Emory Warren (EW) and Louise Jordan, and precious nephew John Nolen.
David is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charlotte (Pug) Jordan Nolen, who was faithfully by his side especially in the past ten years helping him in his fight with Parkinson’s. He Is also survived by his daughter Becky Nolen Word (Randy), daughter-in-law Romy Wilson Nolen, grandchildren Natalie Word Mason (Jonathan), John David Word (fiancee Megan Ferrell), Jamie Nolen Armstrong (Luke), Jennie Nolen Cummans (Cole), Catherine Word Noojin (Seth), and Jake Nolen. His great-grandchildren were such a joy to him: James, Samuel, and Olivia Mason, Evan and Emma Armstrong, and Ellie Noojin.
David leaves behind a brother, James (Jim) Nolen (Gina), sister, Janet Nolen King, and sister-in-law Brenda Carpenter (Cleve). Nieces and nephews are Jennifer Avery (Brent), Drew King (Stacey), David King (Stephanie), Clint Ray (Shelley), David Ray (Luci), and Katie Mayes (Carey).
Pallbearers will be grandsons and grand sons-in-law. Chosen brother—Earl Graham.
Honorary pallbearers are his dear friends George Elrod, Leon Cooper, Sam Wilson, Bill Fulford, Danny Clayton, Kenny Flowers, Ricky Vann, Jim Inzer, Mike Douglas, John Hatfield, and members of Bob Haller’s Sunday School class. He especially wanted these brother/friends to know how much he loved them— Gary Perry, Jerry Perry, Buford Bowers, and his pastor and devoted friend, Larry Fuhrman.
In Lieu of flowers to honor David, the family suggests gifts to First Baptist Church of Gadsden , 235 5th Street, Gadsden, Al 35901; or Big Oak Ranch, 250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, AL 35905.
The family gratefully thanks Amedysis Hospice and Blessed Care for their care for our loved one.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the NOLEN family.
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