Obituary of Nathanael Bernard Habel

The Reverend Nathanael (Nick) Bernard Habel, 94, a near 50-year resident of Lynchburg, passed away at Centra Hospice House on Boonsboro Road on July 29, 2013. Nick Habel, son of the Reverend and Mrs. Samuel T. Habel, Sr., was born in Orange County on July 3rd, 1919. He was first married to the late Martha Mason Habel and is survived by their daughter, Julia Habel Thompson (David) of Arlington, and son Glenn Habel (Mary) of Richmond. Nick is survived by Shirley Dillard Habel, his wife of 42 years, and her son Dunn Dillard (Carrie) of Richmond. He had four grandchildren: Nathan Habel (Amanda) and Andrew Dillard of Richmond, Meredith Dillard of New York City and Rachel Thompson Darg (Daniel) of Philadelphia. A surviving foster brother, Edward Teets (Mary Alice) resides in Pembroke, N.C. He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters: Dr. Samuel Habel, Jr., John Woodrow Habel, Joseph B. Habel, Pilcher Obadiah Habel, Mary Louise Habel, and Hattie Habel Moschler. Prior to living in Lynchburg, Nick Habel served as full time pastor of Victoria Baptist Church, Boykins Baptist Church, and Branchville Baptist Church. He was the principal both of Temperance and James River Elementary Schools in Amherst County. During his lifetime, he served over 70 different churches as a supply, interim, associate or full-time pastor. He is a graduate of Bluefield College, The University of Richmond, Lynchburg College, and Crozer Seminary of Colgate-Rochester Divinity School. He was a member of Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors there between 6 and 8 PM on Wednesday, July 31. The funeral service will take place at the same church on Thursday, August 1 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Glen Land, Pastor Steve Cromer, Rev. Jack Hamilton and Dr. Leroy Bradshaw officiating. Interment to follow at 2:00 PM at Springhill Cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to the caring staff of Centra Hospice Care and Hospice House. Due to Shirley's allergies, please come fragrance free to both the visitation and funeral services. Also, please do not send flowers to her home or church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church, or Meals on Wheels, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to diuguidfuneralservice. Diuguid Funeral Service and Crematory, Waterlick Chapel on Timberlake Rd., in charge of arrangements.