Eugene “Shorty” Nail, 86, died on December 23, 2021 at his home in Hanceville, Alabama.
He was born at Hanceville, Alabama on July 12, 1935 to William F. and Darthula Nail – the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters.
Nail graduated from Hanceville High School and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He remained active in the Alabama National Guard until his retirement as SFC.
After returning from his active military service, he married the love of his life, EthelLee Hightower, in 1956. They had two children, LaDonna and Lance.
He used his GI Bill to learn the trades of electrical, plumbing and refrigeration. He started his own company, Nail Electric and Plumbing, in 1960 – serving as his own boss for over 60 years.
Nail was an avid Alabama football fan who could almost always be seen wearing something with the Crimson Tide on it. He was also very invested in his community, serving as the chief of the Hanceville Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
He is survived by his wife: EthelLee Nail; daughter: LaDonna Nail Allen; son-in-law: Craig Allen; son: Lance Nail; daughter-in-law: Ruth Lowman Nail; grandsons: Spencer Allen, Landon Nail and Joel Nail and granddaughters: Callie Allen and Claire Allen.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings and many friends and relatives.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Hanceville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randy Sellers officiating.
Interment will follow at Welti Cemetery
