John Nichols

On Monday morning, December 14, John suddenly broke the tape, crossing the finish line of his earthly race. To the boisterous cheers of “Well done good and faithful servant,” he finally embraced the Jesus he’d waited his entire life to meet face-to-face.

John was always eager to get “On the Road Again.” He dreamed of discovering new experiences and exploring new places, arm-in-arm with the love of his life of over 55 years — even until the sudden end.

But John planted enduring roots in west Texas that ran deep. In fact, only the call of heaven itself would have given him enough reason to ever leave the place he called home.

This last adventure —that would see him finally running into the arms of his Savior, being reunited with his mom, dad and siblings who went before him — will surely be his greatest.

It feels like he’s left a family behind — a family who aches to see him, hug him, and hear him say one last time: “Only YOU can choose what kind of day you’ll have.” But the truth is, like John so often did in life, he merely left a little early to scout out the place and find a good spot for the rest of us.

John was born on December 1, 1944 in Big Spring, TX, to the late Oran and Juanita Nichols.

A graduate of West Texas A&M with a B.A. in Accounting, John earned his CPA license in 1972. And after 30 years, retired from his role of Chief Financial Officer at ICA (a job and company he dearly loved) in 2012.

A devoted husband to his wife, Becky, for over 55 years, a loving dad to Kathy (Lance Armstrong), Kim (David Terry), and Nick (Annie), and the greatest “Pops” on the planet to his 9 grandkids: Sterling, Dezi, and Daxton (Kathy and Lance); Campbell, Natalie, Harper, Tate, and Sawyer (Kim and David); and Daphne (Nick and Annie).

Beloved by his sisters Edith and Nicky, his brother Kenneth, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, he was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Juanita and Oran Nichols; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Larry Witten; brother Don Nichols (Barbara); sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie and Wran Nagle; brother-in-law, Louis Orozco (Edith); brother-in-law, Roy Lobner (Nicky).

The family is very grateful for the prayers and condolences that so many have shown through their kind messages of sympathy. The family would also like to thank Pastor Billy Raies of Sovereign Grace Church in Midland for his care and counsel during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 11 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Sovereign Grace Church, located in Midland at 2901 W Kansas Ave.

Your expressions of love and shared grief with flowers are deeply appreciated. Another meaningful way to honor John’s life and memory is to make a donation in his name to West Texas Victors — a local nonprofit organization committed to providing resources to legal Congolese refugees and the tools they need to build new lives. More than board members, John and Becky both have been impacted by the Congolese people and families they’ve served and grown to love dearly.

To honor John’s life in this special way, send your donation to:

West Texas Victors

PO Box 5137

Midland, TX 79704.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.