Roy Nickles, Jr.

Dr. Roy Everette Nickles, 87, of Charleston SC, died Saturday, August 16, 2025. The relatives and friends of Dr. Nickles are invited to a Visitation between 5:00 & 7:00 PM Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Burial will be private.

Dr. Nickles was born September 13, 1937 in Greenwood, S.C. to Nell Carter Nickles and Roy "Nick" Nickles, Sr. He graduated from Furman University in 1959, the Medical University of South Carolina in 1963, and served as Captain in the US Air Force from 1964-1966.

Dr. Nickles practiced Dermatology for over 30 years in Charleston, S.C., served as President of the South Carolina state chapter of the American Cancer Society from 1993-1994, and was voted the SC Dermatologist of the Year in 2000.

Roy was an amazing high school and college athlete playing basketball, track and football. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1955, where he broke records in the 100- and 440-yard dash races. He received a 4-year football scholarship to Furman University, was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and graduated in 1959. He graduated from The Medical University of South Carolina in 1963. Roy's pastimes included dancing the Carolina Shag with his wife, Barbara, quail hunting, gardening, traveling, listening to the music of the 50's and 60's, and spending summers on Lake Greenwood.

He was a dedicated physician (earning the nickname "Doc" from his grandchildren) and a sunscreen enthusiast, with a mission of keeping theworld free of melanoma. He was in private practice for over 30 years, involved at MUSC dermatology clinics, and made appearances on local television and radio shows, all promoting healthy skin. He wrote articles on a variety of skin issues that you wouldn't want to think about. He was always willing to answer "Hey Roy, what's this?" about any skin spot that you might have. His motto was "Roy is my name and skin is my game".

Roy lived as long as his body would allow - many years after his diagnosis of Alzheimers and cancer. He spent his last years enjoying simple things like listening to his record collection, visits from family and giving hugs.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and is survived by his son, Jeffery Nickles (Shanon), daughters Kristina Coulter (Jeff) and Alicia Nickles (Matt Alston) and seven grandchildren: Becky, Alanna, Alyssa, Merrill Anne (Matt), Nolan, Pierce and Scarlett.

Roy (Doc) was truly "the one and only''.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society and an annual skin cancer screening by your dermatologist.

If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to deliver Thursday, August 28, between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.