Robert "Bobby" Marshall Nichols

Robert “Bobby” Marshall Nichols, age 89, of Pilot Mountain, NC, entered eternal life with his Lord on May 18, 2017 at his home.

He was born on November 28, 1927 in Mount Airy, NC to the late Grady Marshall Nichols and Myrtle Fulk Nichols. Bobby was a loving husband, father and friend who was selfless in giving of his time.  His greatest joy was providing for the needs of his family.  All he desired in life was for his family to be healthy and happy.  Those closest to him knew that his second greatest love in life was “good food,” especially from the Squeeze Box (for over 50 years) and K&W.  Bobby worked most of his life, beginning with his father on the farm and later in Nichols’ Shoe Shop of Pilot Mountain.  In the early years of his career, he was an electrical apprentice and later worked with his father at G. M. Nichols & Son Plumbing, which he continued until recent years.  He was proud to have served in the United States Army in the latter part of WWII.  Bobby was highly regarded in the community and the oldest merchant in town.  He was also the oldest living charter member of Friendly Chapel Church.

Mr. Nichols is survived by one son, John Robert (Michelle) Nichols; three daughters, Robin Nichols (Wayne) Atkins, Marcy Nichols (Danny) Mills, and Debbie Nichols (Aaron) Hunter; a daughter-in-law, Anna Long Nichols; two sisters, Priscilla Nichols (Roy) Christiansen and Barbara Nichols Birkner; eight grandchildren, Christopher Atkins, Kevin (Ashley) Atkins, Dylan (Wendy) Mills, Chase (Emily) Mills, Dustin (Kirby) Hunter, Ashley Hunter Boles, Andrew (Sidney) Hunter, and Hailey Nichols; and ten great-grandchildren, Ethan Atkins, Garrett Atkins, Gavin Atkins, Kennley Atkins, Chandlin Atkins, Jacey Atkins, Corbin Mills, Ellie Mills, Ocie Belle Hunter, and Weston Boles.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Ocie Elizabeth Marshall Nichols; a son, Grady Marshall “Marty” Nichols II; a brother-in-law, Paul Birkner; and a great-grandchild, Grayson Jade Atkins.

A Funeral Service will be conducted on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Friendly Chapel at 3 P.M. with Bro. Don Collins and Bro. D.C. Collins officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Cox-Needham Funeral Home.

Floral tributes are welcome or donations will be accepted by Mountain Valley Hospice of Pilot Mountain.

The family extends gratitude to Hospice and Senior Quality Care with special thanks to Lisa and Catherine.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain (http://www.coxneedham.com, www.facebook.com/coxneedham) is respectfully serving the Nichols family.