Charles David Nightingale
Graveside Service: Thursday, August 27, 2020 at North Sherwood Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
On August 16, 2020, Dave Nightingale, who dedicated his life to the proclamation of the Gospel in both action and word, at the age of 67, entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dave resided most recently in Hudson, Florida, where he served as Regional Director of North America and the Pacific Rim for Word of Life International Ministries.
Dave was born in Colon, Michigan, on June 24, 1953, to Charles (Chuck) and MaryAnn Nightingale. He was preceded in death by his mother and first wife, Cheri Kline Nightingale (1990). He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Deborah Bott Nightingale, and his 7 children: Chip (Audrey) Nightingale, Chad (Tracy) Nightingale, Catherine (Darryl) Martin, Candice (Joshua) Dykstra, Christin (Ryan) Adams, Joshua (Laura) Dickinson, Jake (Lisa) Dickinson, his father Charles Nightingale and 31 grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sisters: Cynthia (Dwight) Hostetler and Cathy (Dave) Mostrom and brother: Christopher (Renee) Nightingale.
Dave’s love for people was made evident through his role as a coach, pastor and shepherd to missionaries around the world. Someone once described Dave as “Grandfather to the nations” because of the amazing ability God had given him to encourage people and make them feel loved. He was a man full of godly wisdom, insight and grace. His impact in the lives of people was profound, and we give glory to our God for allowing him be an instrument of the Gospel.
Psalms 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
We would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life service for Dave Nightingale on Saturday, August 22, at 1:00 pm, in the Bollback Performing Arts Center at Word of Life, Hudson, Florida. We believe the greatest gift we as a family can give him is by giving you an opportunity to be a part of celebrating all God has done through the ministry he loved so much. We love all of you just as much as Dave, our dad, our grandpa loved all of you. We hope through this time we can encourage you the way you have encouraged us. We know most of you cannot join us, so we are going to livestream the service. The link for this is below:
https://vimeo.com/448927035/4e5faa53d4
The family graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 pm at North Sherwood Cemetery, Athens, Michigan. Due to statewide restrictions, the graveside will be limited to family. Others desiring to attend may do so by staying near your vehicles. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to https://give.wol.org/giveto/00608c and in the summary box put “in memory of Dave Nightingale” and your gift will go to International Ministries which was Dave’s great passion.
August 21, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
Dave you are a beautiful sole. We enjoyed getting to know you as a neighbor. We offer our deepest condolences to the family.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Barrie and Mary
August 21, 2020 @ 1:40 pm
He is missed but also know he is blessed to be with his Savior and God. Thank you Dave for your ministry to people for God’s glory. Thank you for a great example to those of us around you!
August 21, 2020 @ 2:30 pm
Dear Nightingale Family,
I extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. For while Dave rejoices in heaven with his Lord and Savior, those left behind live in the “big hole” that results from his passing. Dave Nightingale was a pillar of faith in the family of God, and he leaves a great legacy. May each of you walk and follow in his footsteps, and more importantly in His footsteps.
In a special way, most of you touched my life. God privileged me by placing at least five of you in my classroom at Allegan High School. I particularly remember Catherine, Candace, Christin, Josh and Jake. At parent teacher conferences I interacted with your parents What a blessing–all of this! Thank you!
Oh, and then when Chip married Audrey, there came another connection. Audrey and our son were classmates at East Martin Christian School. Her parents remain fellow congregants at East Martin Christian Reformed Church.
Only recently I became aware of a song that you probably know, “There Was Jesus,” by Zach Williams. I’ll share a small portion, but you can find the full lyrics as well as vocal versions on the Internet.
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing, in the hurting
Like a blessing buried in broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been or where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it
Or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
On the mountains
In the valleys
There was Jesus
In the shadows
Of the alleys
You remain in my prayers, as you have been over these last days. May our gracious heavenly Father hold you closely in His arms, provide peace and strength. Here is Jesus!
In Christian Love,
Merrie Beth Den Boer
August 21, 2020 @ 8:08 pm
My sympathy and prayers go out to Deb and all of Dave’s family. I did not know Dave very well, but he came across to me as being humble and gentle. I do know that Deb loved him very much. I know that his passing leaves a big hole on everyone’s lives. May the God of all comfort be your shield and strength in the coming days and weeks. With love and prayers, Patricia Rupprecht.
August 22, 2020 @ 12:23 am
Deb & Family
Dave will always be in our memory: the big hugs, the contagious laugh & smile & his love for us oozed out of his very being! But remember memories will turn into Eternal actuality!
Our heart & prayers are with you all!
“Just think of stepping on shore & finding it Heaven; Of touching a Hand & finding it God’s …….”
Jude 20 & 21
August 22, 2020 @ 12:34 am
Deb & Family
Dave will always be in our memory: the big hugs, the contagious laugh & smile & his love for us oozed out of his very being! But remember memories will turn into Eternal actuality!
“Just think of stepping on shore & finding it Heaven; Of touching a Hand & finding it God’s……..”
Our heart & prayers are with you all❣
Jude 20 & 21
August 22, 2020 @ 3:30 am
What a pleasant, patient, praising look on this man of God’s face.
I see his delight in his grandchildren.
I see his pride in his children.
I see the twinkle in his eyes for his wife.
I see a likeness of his dad.
I see his love and total satisfaction in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I’m sure that smile remains today, and all of us who have trusted Christ as our Savior will see it and him some day soon. Hallelujah!
Dearest family: May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and give you His peace and comfort as you wait.
August 22, 2020 @ 3:56 pm
My husband Chris and I send our love and prayers to the entire Nightingale family. It was my privilege to grow up knowing many of you and to see the impact you had for the glory of God. My parents, Loren and Bev were such close friends with Chuck and Mary Ann…please let Chuck know that my dad was so sad to hear this and is praying too! May the Lord give you all deep comfort in knowing Dave is with his Savior, and may your memories of him bring you a smile.
August 22, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
Dear Deb and family,
I just watched Dave/your dad’s service. Wow! What a beautiful and honoring tribute to him. I have tears in my eyes. I am so happy that I got to meet him at the WOL Director’s Ministry Summit last fall, even if only for a short time. I wish I could’ve known him better, but your testimonies witness to who he was…and is. What a great reward he will surely receive. A life well lived. He already received a wonderful gift here on earth; a beautiful, committed and faith-filled wife, and the fulfillment of 3 John 1:4 in all of his offspring.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth
May God bless you all with comfort and healing until you are all together again; which you surely will be.
In Christ our Lord,
Denise Pipol
Wisconsin-Guatemala Medical Team
August 22, 2020 @ 9:59 pm
I met Dave at a Word of Life Thingamajig in October of 1972 and joined his class at Word of Life Bible Institute in December of that year! He was a good leader and example for all of us. He was very helpful to all the new students. He was a great example of a soldier of the cross! Welcome to your much desired Heavenly home!
August 23, 2020 @ 12:28 am
Knowing Dave was such a joy and personal inspiration. We had three wonderfully shared passions…… Jesus, Word of Life and food.
The service today punctuated the fact that Jesus came first but family was not only important to him but a passion he treasured and invested in as well.
Dave is rejoicing but we are grieving.
August 25, 2020 @ 6:18 pm
Our family is praying for your family.