Robert Nichols

Robert Nichols Jr, 77, of Gainesville, Texas was called home by our Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas surrounded by his loving wife Sandra and family.

Robert was born March 20, 1940 in Gainesville, Texas to Robert (Shorty) Nichols and Mamie Louella Morris Nichols.   He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1959.  He went on to Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado where he received a scholarship and played football.  Robert eventually returned to University of North Texas in Denton where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

After moving back home, he married his high school sweetheart Sandra Kay Peterson on August 18, 1961 at First United Methodist in Gainesville, Texas.  After Sandra received her cosmetology license in 1975 and began her career as a cosmetologist, he began to work with his father, where they were known around Cooke County for their quality work building and remodeling homes.

He and Sandra had three children and spent their time being dedicated loving parents.  He enjoyed baseball and coached his sons for many years.  When he was not coaching, he could be found on the sidelines cheering all his children on in their activities.  He and his family spent summers at the lake camping and fishing. He dearly loved fishing and received the honor of becoming a lifetime member of the Gainesville Bass Club.  Robert and Sandra also loved to square dance and were members of the 49’ers square dance club in Gainesville.  Many weekends were spent square dancing with their friends through the years.

He most recently enjoyed lounging in his favorite chair, watching television surrounded by his family with his beloved canine children, Coffee and Pepper, steadfast in his lap.   He loved his family dearly and expressed his love in many ways.

Robert is survived by Sandra, his loving wife of 56 years; three children - son Jeff Nichols and wife Tina; daughter Shari Nichols Kuykendall Marshall and husband Gary; son Shane Nichols, all of Gainesville.  Eight grandchildren – Kelli Kuykendall Crisp and husband Dwayne of Sanger, TX; Kolby Kuykendall and wife Krystynn of Holliday, TX; Toby Nichols of Healdton, OK; Kayle Nichols of Denton, TX; Dakota Nichols and wife Paola of Memphis, TN; Kenedy Nichols of Gainesville; Hunter and Hayden Nichols of Gainesville; and nine great-grandchildren.  He is survived by one brother, Sam and wife Keleen Nichols of Gainesville, TX; sister Jane Wagner and husband Jim of Sanger, TX; sister Patsy Christie and husband Phil of Dallas, TX and Sue Comer of Gainesville, TX.   His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Todd Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.