Charles L. Nalley, US Navy Ret.

Charles Laban Nalley, 80, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026. He was born on April 21,1946, in Lavonia, Georgia, to the late Charles Anderson Nalley and Katie Mae Maulding Nalley.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Nalley Harper, and special family member, David W. Cook.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Rebecca; his daughter, Sharlee, and her husband, David; and his two cherished granddaughters, Daelyn and Jordyn Leigh, who were the pride and joy of his life. He also leaves behind special family members Jane O. Cook, L. Keith Cook, Will Sanford, and Carolyn Price, along with nieces, nephews, and their families.

A proud and dedicated patriot, he served 26 years in the United States Navy, retiring as adecorated officer after beginning his military career in the enlisted ranks. His years of service reflected his dedication, determination, and commitment to serving others. Following his Navy retirement, he continued working for many years at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. He was also an ordained minister and faithfully shared his love for Jesus Christ with those around him.

He was a member of McLeod Masonic Lodge, Ezelle Masonic Lodge, and the Scottish Rite. His faith was the foundation of his life, and his love for Jesus and his family guided the way he lived. He was a man of many talents and interests. An avid potter and woodworker, he enjoyed creating things with his hands. He loved to bake, could fix just about anything, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a hard worker, a devoted provider, and a man who quietly took care of his family in more ways than they may ever fully realize, even on his last day.

But above all his accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was an outstanding father and the kind of grandfather every child deserves. He never missed a ballgame, recital, or school event. No matter how busy life became, he showed up. He was always there, cheering, encouraging, supporting, and making sure his family knew how proud he was of them. His granddaughters held a particularly special place in his heart, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Some of his greatest memories will live on in the little things: Jordyn Leigh's love for his burnt bacon and Daelyn's love for his cheese grits. These simple traditions, along with countless other memories, will forever bring smiles and remind his family of the love he so freely gave.

As an ordained minister, he had a special love for sharing God's Word. One of his favorite sermons was titled "A Little Dab of Yellow." Using the image of adding a little yellow to a painting to bring light and warmth, he reminded others of the importance of letting their own light shine and sharing the warmth of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. It was a beautiful reflection of how he believed we should live our lives.

He often ended that sermon with a prayer that held special meaning to him:

"O Jesus, precious Sun of gladness,

Fill my soul with light, I pray.

Dispel the gloomy night of sadness,

And teach me this happy day

How I, a child of light, may be

Aglow with light that comes from Thee!"

Those words are perhaps the most fitting reflection of the life he lived. He believed in the light of Christ and spent his life sharing that light through his faith, his service, and his love for others.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Julia Anderson, a dear family friend, and to the Emergency Room staff and ICU team at Ocean Springs Hospital. We are deeply grateful for the professionalism, kindness, and compassionate care they showed Charles and our entire family. Your kindness and support during such a difficult time will never be forgotten.

His family will forever be grateful for the sacrifices he made, the lessons he taught, the traditions he created, and the countless ways he loved and cared for them. He was their protector, their provider, their biggest supporter, and a steady presence they could always count on.

His legacy is not measured only by his years of military service, his work, or his many accomplishments, but by the lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply. The light he shared will continue to shine through each of them.

He was loved beyond words, will be missed beyond measure, and will never be forgotten.

Graveside service to honor Charles's life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November, 11, 2026, at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 8910 Carl Legett Road, Gulfport, MS 39503

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., West Jackson County, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .