Alabama minister Mike Nix dies suddenly at age 55 (Updated)
Mike Nix (Photo via church website)
Updated Monday: The church has posted details on funeral arrangements.
Mike Nix, pulpit minister of the 800-member Beltline Church of Christ in Decatur, Ala., since 1998, died suddenly Saturday. He was 55.
Church leaders sent out this note Saturday afternoon:
Many of you have already heard, and our hearts are sad, Mike Nix has passed away. Mike had a blood clot develop this morning from his recent surgery. Please pray for Mike’s sweet wife, Mary Lynn and his daughter Natalie. Please keep our Beltline family in your prayers.
The Decatur Daily reports that Nix stepped into a hole and hurt his leg while performing a wedding two weeks ago. He underwent surgery to repair the tear in his leg. He had performed another wedding Friday night with a cast on his leg, his first time to leave home since the surgery, deacon Harry Hames told the newspaper.
Hames described Nix this way:
“He was a wonderful, wonderful man. A guy after God’s own heart, kind of like David in the Bible.”
Church member Calvin McBride also reflected on Nix in The Decatur Daily report:
“If you wanted to see Jesus Christ, you could just look in Mike Nix’s eyes. That’s the kind of person he was. I know that’s a huge comparison, because there was only one perfect person, but every day of his life, Mike lived to try to be like Christ.”
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FeedbackI have lost a brother and a great friend. There are people you use as examples for your kids – he was mine. Probably the most godly man I have known. He left this world better and I am better for having known Mike. His family is in our prayers.Greg RoseJune, 26 2011I was reading this, I grew up at Beltline…Mike was a great man!! But he was performing a wedding ceremony Friday not, not having another surgery. Thought I would share 🙂 God Bless!KatieJune, 26 2011Thanks, Katie. I have fixed the typo.Bobby Ross Jr.June, 26 2011May God’s comfort be with his family and the Beltline congregation.Mike CopeJune, 26 2011Our hearts break over this news. We will pray for God’s comfort and peace to his family and to the flock at Beltline.Grady and Sharon TrouteJune, 26 2011I am the worship leader at beltline church of christ and let me say, if you did not have the honor of knowing Mike Nix, you lost a great opportunity. I have never seen someone that I thought walked the christlike life that he did. His legacy is flawless, his life is complete, and his memory is eternal. May he now rest in the arms of our Lord. We will worship together again one day my friend. I love you and miss you.Scott FullerJune, 26 2011My heart breaks for Mike’s family. We have lost a great man who loved God and lived a life of service. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched. May God provide you peace and surround you with love.Liz HowellJune, 26 2011When I worked at Huntsville Hospital, I used to see Mike there quite often visiting the sick and ministering to those who were hurting. Mike was not only an outstanding preacher but he was also a wonderful MINISTER!! He loved the Lord and loved His people.Cindi BradleyJune, 26 2011I grew up close to Decatur in Addison and Beltline was usually the church we attended when we were back to visit family. My family was visiting there once when Gene Stallings was visiting. Mike made me feel that he was as honored to have me as a visitor as to have Coach Stallings. He seemed to be fascinated that I was a missionary. I can only begin to understand the grief his family and the family at church must feel. May the God of all comfort be with each one and may we live in such a way as to join Mike one sweet day.Lowell WhiteJune, 26 2011My heart hurts because I’ve lost my best friend. I can’t wait to see him again some day. Enjoy your heavenly reward, Mike!Bonnie LedlowJune, 26 2011i love mike! he always had a smile on his kind sweet face!!!!!!! every time he saw me he would stop and talk to me! he would give me a big bear huge all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he would also shake my hand!!!!!!!!!!! i love you mary lynn!!!!! i love you mike!!!!!!!!! god bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you and your family are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hanna R.June, 26 2011The East Walker Cogregation is praying for Mikes family and the Beltline Congregation. May God comfort you in your days ahead.JonathanJune, 26 2011Mike and his wife were in Athens Greece few weeks ago.
He preached for The Glyfada Church of Christ in Athens
and I guided him to the Biblical city of Corinth.
He was so happy to walk in the steps of Paul.
May the Lord comfort his family and the
Beltline Church of Christ were he served so faithfully.Dino RoussosJune, 26 2011I did not know Bro. Nix but had the priviledge of meeting his sweet wife and daughter while they were visiting Cross Point Church in Florence.Mrs.Nix seemed to be a wonderful, sweet person and she and her daughter are beautiful.I am very sorry for this loss in this family as I feel like Bro. Nix had to be one of the best ever in the sight of the Lord.
May God Bless,
In Christian Love,
Doris CrittendenDoris CrittendenJune, 26 2011God bless the Nix and Beltline familiesJason BennettJune, 26 2011Mike was such an inspiration to all that knew him. I am so heartbroken with the loss of such a godly man. Enjoy your heavenly home, Mike. I will miss you, dear friend!Leah FavorsJune, 26 2011“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
1Thessalonians 4:13-18
See you are the resurrection, sweet brother!Bob CarrJune, 26 2011I am one of the deacons at Beltline and my wife, Beverly, is one of the church secretaries. Our congregation is in grief, and we are hurting, but we will get through this. We all expected Mike to be preaching until he was an old, old man. We don’t understand why he died so prematurely, but we do have faith that he has received his crown of righteousness. Thank you, Mike. My biggest regret is that I didn’t take you for the airplane ride. You would have enjoyed it so much; but you’re in a higher place now.Don HullJune, 26 2011My husband, daughter and I are members at Beltline. Mike’s life remains a blessing to us. We enjoyed the time we were able to spend with him. He was everywhere, and he always had time to sit down and talk. Often we’d speculate, “How does he do it?” Jesus Christ was living in him and working through him. May we all look to earthly examples like Mike to remember it IS possible to live a human life as close as possible to Christ’s on this earth.
Godspeed, Mike. You’ve left a legacy…
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15 (KJV)Haley WaldenJune, 27 2011Our hearts are saddened by the news of your loss. May God be with all of you in this valley of mourning. And as the evening’s shadows are eventually replaced by the morning’s sun beams, may your sorrow eventually be replaced by the joy of new life and resurrection.Alan HendersonJune, 27 2011When we loose a Christian like Mike we all too often speak as the world dose and say oh he was so young, or it was such a shame. He was, it is but for Mike, he has been given his fondest whish he is HOME. I know the emptiness that Mary Lynn and Natalie are feeling and pray that God fills it with memories and love. Goodbye my friend. I and GIna and the boys will be praying for you.Bryan RidneourJune, 27 2011Mike always made me feel missed whenever I came home to visit or if I ran into him in Nashville, or last March when he led my Grandfather’s funeral. He had such a gift of making each of us feel appreciated for our individuality, gifts, and talents. He could pick them out and always complimented people for their special contributions and I always felt a presence of the Holy Spirit when Mike was nearby. I know he is sad to leave his family but rejoicing in Heaven. I look forward to seeing him again. Farewell till then…Love you and my prayers are with you, Mary Lynn, Natalie and my friends at Beltline.Bara LamonJune, 27 2011We will meet again, but for now we continue down that road less traveled.RickJune, 27 2011I met Mike years ago at the Decatur Athletic Club we were kind of on the same schedule and when we would get done working out he would always visit with me. I did not know what Mike done for a living, so one day I asked and he told me he was a Minister I said I knew it you are a Holy man and he got a good laugh out of it. I am 11 years older than he was and I always worked out at the gym very hard so when he would see me he would always say there goes my hero. Truth be known He was my hero. RIP Mike and may God bless your family.Ron RedlerJune, 27 2011I have known Mike since I was a teenager, and my family has always had a special place in our hearts for him. He recently performed our wedding ceremony on April 30th during the power outage, and was going to once again officiate our celebration and reception on July 22nd. Mike was the true depiction of what christianity emcompasses, and was a true friend. He was a great inspiration to my wife and me, and was an amazing minister and spiritual guide. I wish we had went on that bike ride Mike. We love and miss you.Scott FosterJune, 27 2011TO MARY LYNN, NATALIE AND THE MEMBERS OF BELTLINE:
I was there with the Lubbock Christian University Softball team in 2008. My daughter Marissa was the pitcher. Your members opened it’s arms to all of us like we were family and made us all feel at home. We lost to Mobile on Monday and Brother Mike invited us to go have dinner at the church. The players were down. After dinner they shot some baskets and got loose and then came back with a roar to beat Mobile twice on Tuesday to win the National Championship. A first year program in softball. Brother Mike was there throughout our journey. He made the kids believe. A man with a lot of soul. They all signed and gave him a game ball. We went back in 2009 and my daughter was now a coach. We will never forget Brother Mike, Beltline and it’s members for the love and prayers. Brother Mike now has moved on to a bigger calling but we will see him again.
God bless you all and THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts
MARY LYNN AND NATALIE OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU……..
Manuel, Kathy& Marissa Gonzalez
Los Angeles CaliforniaMANUEL.V.GONZALEZJune, 27 2011Marylyn , Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Residents and associates at Cedar Springs have came to me with such specail memorys of your sweet mother and always great things about Brother Mike.Our love and prayers are with you and family…Your friends…Cedar SpringsLou Ellen Neuss “Cedar Springs Senior Living”June, 27 2011When we would visit the hospital together he would never take the elevator, bound up the stairs 2 at a time. The time we got to the person we were going to visit I could not even breathe LOL. we would stop and every nurse knew him…he was the Beltline Lighthouse in Decatur..till we travel again down “the road less traveled” go rest high on that mountain..you desreve it.Proud to have walked by his side.harry HamesJune, 27 2011Dear Mary Lynn and Natalie:
It was just a year ago that Mike spoke to Central Church of Christ, Augusta, GA., during our winning Wednesday. Deborah and I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mike at that time. We will never forget the wonderful christian couple from Alabama with beautiful smiles for everyone. The Church will miss Mike and his wonderful message of salvation delivered through the most beautiful smile. Our prayers will be with you and Beltline Church of Christ.Sonny and Deborah GayJune, 28 2011My husband, Joey, and I are members of Eastside Church of Christ in Decatur. We are thankful for Mike Nix’s support and love for the people of this congegation.nancy hudginsJune, 28 2011So sad to hear this; my prayers for Mike’s family.
Does anyone know if Mike was from Ypsilanti, Mich.? I knew a Mike Nix at Lubbock Christian who was from there; he would be about that age. I would appreciate knowing.Ron BontragerJune, 30 2011I don’t know Mike, nor his family. I did have some family that attended beltline 20+ years ago. I saw this article and started reading the comments and it just touched me to just see this small glimpse into this hero for Christ. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and church family. I hope we all can live the kind of life that Mike did for Christ.Jay CollinsJune, 30 2011May God bless you all at Beltline continually; the passing of brother Mike is shocking and sad, but his blessings continue onward and upward. Again, God bless you all.Robert RawsonJune, 30 2011When I heard about Mike’s death at my daughter’s wedding which he so wanted to be at, I said to myself, I have lost my best friend and began my grief journey. So many of us lost our best friend – Mike Nix. We all lost this precious, precious man whom we all love.
He showed us the face of Jesus. When you looked in to the eyes of Mike you saw what Jesus wanted us to be, just as he so wanted to be. Mike was almost childlike. Innocent. Sweet. Faithful, Hopeful, Loving. Caring. Encourager, Disciplined. Studious. Improving every day. A Servant of God. A Man after God’s own heart.
Mike was more than a friend and I loved him more then I love my own brother. I never failed to tell him I loved him and he never failed to tell me he loved me and grabbed me up and bear hugged me like nothing else.
He knew me, and I was so utterly comfortable being around him and being myself, laughing and joking with him. He knew my problems and he never mentioned them to me but spoke so many encouraging words to me and from the pulpit. Mike was such an encourager and comforter. On every occasion that I tried to sneak out after services and go around him because I knew he was talking to others, he grabbed his Sheppard�s hook of an arm and wrestled me in close to him, not allowing me to pass by unnoticed. He was like a magnet, a light unto the world. You just couldn’t get by him and his love.
To hear all the words of all of you about what he meant to you only shows that he did for so many, what he did for me and my family and for all of you! He did not care if you were a member of any church, your race or nationality or your background, he cared about you and getting you to heaven.
He left a perfect example of what we should all strive to be. He wanted us ALL to be in heaven! So I promise and resolve to “BE LIKE MIKE”.And Mike was always pointing to Jesus our savior, boasting of him and showing us the way to heaven.
May we all resolve to have the same goals, pick up the bible and study the word of God and set about doing the good work of God, spreading the message and being a servant of God. May you find comfort in the good word the “Gospel” of God – life’s instruction book – and such a powerful message. May you all find the “abundant life” and peace and love that surpasses all understanding as the result of your walk with the Lord.
If you have no church home and family, we would welcome you with open arms at Beltline and you will see that God is working through us, his children. If you ever asked God to show himself to you in some tangible manner as I have, then surround yourself with people who are Christians. Knock and the door will be opened to you!
Mike, “Until we meet again on the road less traveled” – I will forever hold you close to my heart in my journey. I thank God for your life here on earth. I have never met a man like you and I doubt that I ever will…
Through tears I say – I love you Mike! And I can hear you saying – I love you too David…David HendriksJune, 30 2011Lynn and I conducted a seminar with you some time ago. Mike was so supportive of the seminar. You could tell he loved the Lord and he loved the Beltline church. We are hurting with you.Jerry and Lynn JonesJune, 30 2011In July, 2005 I was fortunate to spend a week in Havana, Cuba to attend the Caribbean Lectures and Mike was one of the group I traveled with from the USA. Our hotel rooms were next door and I spent several enjoyable and enlightening hours with him. I will never forget traveling with him, and others to a mountain village in the countryside, and walking from house to house meeting with the villagers there. Mike’s Spanish speaking abilities were only slightly better than mine (none on my part), but he was able to communicate with these people, and they knew he cared for them. A year later we invited him to my home congregation to speak. Our topics revolved around the fruits of the Spirit, and I insisted that only Mike could be considered for the subject of Joy. He did not disappoint us. He will be missed by anyone that ever met him.
James AdamsJames AdamsJune, 30 2011Uncle Mike was a wonderful and inspirational person. His passing makes me ponder on my own life and having known him makes me want to be better person. My heart goes out to Aunt Mary Lynn and Natalie.Beth HowellJune, 30 2011May his soul rest in perfect peace.Osuolale OlubiyoJuly, 1 2011He was a heavenly citizen.He has completed his journey here on earth,having served his Lord Jesus Christ and the true church of Christ and has gone home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
We know the journey for his wife to the promised heavenly land will be tougher and uneasy. But fix your eyes on the promises of the past and the hopes of tomorrow.
My deepest condolences goes to the entire family and the leadership.
For God is able.Laws kandamwalaJuly, 1 2011mike was a very good man. we will miss him very much. i love you mike and mary lynn and natalie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11emily wilsonJuly, 6 2011It is so sorrowfully. I’ve met Mike just one time in Syktyvkar at 2005 and will remember all life!!! And deepest sympathy to his family.Ann LitJuly, 10 2011I met Brother Mike in June, 2011, one year ago.
I have just gotten the news and I am in complete shock.
it was only one year ago that we sat in the church office and Brother Mike took me by the hands and we tried to ” Envision what Heaven looked like “…..He was so encouraging, compassionate and full of Godly, Christian Love, He helped me to turn my life around and guided me back on the right path to the ” Road less Traveled”.
This week is the anniversary of of our meeting, just one year later and there is no doubt that Brother Mike doesn’t have to try an ” Envision Heaven anymore.
He opened his Bible and ask to see mine, He opened to the Book of Ephesians and read it out loud to me…….I sat there with tears rolling down my cheeks.
Now, here I sit typing this message with tears streaming down my cheeks.
One of the most wonderful preachers that I have ever met, who may very well be responsible for helping me understand the error of my ways….but he did it with such tender, loving kindness.
Mary Lyn, Natalie, and Beltline Family of Brother Mike….I am so sorry for your loss, Mike will be sadly missed.
May God wrap all of you in his tender loving care and comfort your broken hearts until you are once again re-united with our beloved Brother Mike. A wonderful wonderful awesome person.betty buAugust, 18 2011
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