Christopher Nalls

Photograph of Christopher Nalls, obtained from his online obituary published by Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home.

Dad. Flynn. Pops. Paw Paw. Uncle Daddy. Coach. 

These are just some of the names Christopher Nalls goes by. On September 10th, 2020, Christopher Nalls passed away at the age of 59 while incarcerated at Fayette County Jail in Alabama. After being admitted to a hospital on August 31st and released September 4th after testing negative for COVID-19, he was readmitted on the 10th and passed away later that day. He had multiple underlying health conditions, and, in light of unclear and conflicting information, it remains unclear whether his death was related to COVID-19.

Christopher was born on March 5, 1961 in Fayette, Alabama. He was one of three children. From an early age, religion was a prominent aspect of his life, and he dedicated much of his time to helping the First Baptist Church in any capacity he could. Some of his involvements included singing and playing drums for the choir, cooking with the kitchen crew, driving the van, and acting as an usher. His involvement in his community spread beyond the church and into his school life, especially in the realm of athletics. He played football, baseball, and basketball in the Fayette and Lamar County school systems. Christopher held many other talents as well, from drawing to playing chess and pool. At home he loved to cook and grill for his family. Later on in life, Christopher held many jobs but eventually went on to coach basketball at the AAU Lasers Traveling Basketball team, which was one of the experiences he loved the most. That love was felt by everyone in his vicinity, and he was known as someone who would openly and honestly care for and advise others in any way he could. 

Christopher will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. On the tribute wall of his online obituary, one person remembers him as “A friend taken [too] soon.” He leaves behind his wife Gwendolyn, to whom he had been married for 26 years, 6 children, 27 grandchildren, and countless others to remember his legacy.

This memorial was written by MOL team member Milkay Teysir with information from reporting by Mike Cason of Alabama Local News, an obituary posted by Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home, and a press release by the Alabama Department of Corrections.