Earl "Punkin" Nickell, Jr.

Earl “Punkin” Nickell, Jr., age 50, of Open Fork Road, Morehead, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at UK – St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead from an apparent heart attack.

Born June 26, 1976, in Morehead, he is the son of Earl Nickell Sr. and the late Marcella Fannin Nickell.

He is survived by his father, Earl Nickell, Sr. and companion Carol Crocco of Morehead; his former wife, Amy Nickell of Morehead, and their four sons, Caden Nickell of Streator, Illinois; Caleb Nickell, Cameron Nickell, and Carson Nickell, all of Morehead; and Brad Sparks and his wife, Seana, of Fleming County; Brad’s mother, Lori Waddell of Morehead; and four grandchildren, Sienna, Ozzy, Lillian, and Zeppelin.

Other survivors include two sisters, Kathy O’Neal and Melissa Nickell McIntosh and her husband, Kyle, all of Morehead; one niece, April Adkins; four nephews, Barry O’Neal, Bentley McIntosh, Jaxon McIntosh, and Jayden McIntosh; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Punkin was a construction worker who enjoyed fishing and coon hunting, especially alongside his late uncle June (Porter J. “Junior” Nickell). Above all, he loved his children and treasured the time he spent with his family. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to mother, he was preceded in death by one sister, Linda Little and one brother, Anthony Nickell.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Bobby Tackett officiating.

Visitation is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com