Michael Nichols

Michael was born February 19, 1952, to Ruth C. Brown and Arfincie Nichols II. He was born and raised on the east side of Austin, where he grew up alongside his four siblings. During childhood, while others played outside, he could often be found sketching, building, or inventing. He had a childhood filled with inventions and experiments, often recruiting his sisters as his eager, and sometimes shocked (literally because of the electricity he used), test subjects. A trait that he carried throughout his life was his charm and his ability to be personable with anyone that crossed his path. He could win over teachers and friends alike with ease. Even, when he wasn't earning the best grades, he would charm his way into a passing grade. As an adult, that same curiosity and ingenuity flourished. He could transform ordinary objects into something extraordinary; crafting intricate creations such as homemade waterfalls or inventing imaginative games that brought joy to those around him. Creativity was at the heart of who he was.

He attended Blackshear Elementary, Kealing Junior High, and Johnston High School before continuing his education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, where he proudly pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His charm was matched only by his intelligence and creativity. He once recounted, with great amusement, how during a fraternity challenge to retrieve an earthworm, a task he dreaded as he hated bugs with a passion, he instead drew one and presented it, skillfully sidestepping his fear with creativity and wit. That story, like so many others, captured his unique way of seeing the world. His early career included working as an assistant teacher at Diagnostic Adjustment Center, where he taught art, a passion that would define much of his life. He later continued inspiring young minds through various programs, sharing his love of arts and crafts with children and encouraging creativity wherever he went.

In 1998, he married Janet Parker, the love of his life, who has since preceded him in death. Their bond was one of deep affection and devotion.

He had a natural gift for connecting with others, leaving lasting impressions wherever he went. He considered himself to be a gifted dancer and a self-proclaimed master of dominoes and spades. Beneath that lively spirit, however, was a deeply sensitive and loving man; one who cherished his family above all else, took great pride in their accomplishments, and made it a point they knew how proud he was of them.

As a father and grandfather, he was endlessly supportive. Whether helping with school projects or sparking imagination during quiet moments, he was always ready with an idea, a solution, or an art project. His daughter fondly remembers creating a detailed solar system model together that was quite complex for a children’s project in the 80’s, when all the other children were presenting a flat 2D painting of the planets Sarah had a 3D, dynamic mobile version, an example of how he turned even simple assignments into extraordinary experiences.

Even as his health began to decline, his spirit remained unshaken. You could always count on him to laugh, joke, and good-naturedly play along with his family’s teasing. A true optimist at heart, he held firmly to the belief that difficult times would pass and brighter days would come, a mindset that sustained his strength and kept his spirit lifted through every season of life.

He will be remembered as an artist, a creative, and above all, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched, but in the creativity, laughter, and resilience he inspired in others.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Parker; mother, Ruth C. Brown; father, Arfincie Nichols II; and brother, Arfincie Nichols III.

He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Wariner and her husband, Jeremy; sisters, Brenda Jones and husband, Clarence, Corla Atkins and husband, Joe Bill, and Vanessa Spearman and husband, Tony; grandchildren, Isabella Copeland, Lincoln Wariner, and Elijah Wariner; step-son, Allen Chickering, and step-grandson, Alex Chickering.