Joseph Gerard Nichols

Joseph Gerard Nichols was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1952 to William and Florence Nichols. He passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 73.

Joe was a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Nichols, and a proud and loving father to their three children: Monica Renee Nichols deGarmeaux (45), Michelle Brianne Nichols Henckel (44), and Joseph Arthur Nichols (40). He never missed an opportunity to tell his family how deeply he loved them and how proud he was of the people they had become.

A proud veteran, Joe served his country honorably as a United States Marine for eight years, attaining the rank of Captain before receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1979. After completing his military service in California, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, to begin the next chapter of his life with his adoring and steadfast wife, Beth.

Joe began his civilian career in sales, spending ten years working at Joske’s of Texas Department Store, where he was known for his professionalism, reliability, and strong work ethic. He later transitioned to a career with Sealy Posturepedic, where he spent more than 30 years building lasting relationships and earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike. During his time at Sealy, Joe was also fondly known for his Elvis Presley impersonation, singing “The Goodnight Sleep Hotel” at various sales meetings, bringing humor and joy to those around him.

Joe lived by the belief that anything worth doing was worth doing well. He was a dedicated and conscientious husband, having met the love of his life when they were just thirteen years old in Charleston, West Virginia. He took great pride in being a father, always making time for his children and grandchildren and wholeheartedly supporting their interests and endeavors—whether coaching his son’s soccer team, officiating at his children’s summer league swim meets, taking dance lessons ahead of his daughters’ weddings, or proudly watching his grandchildren compete in water polo. His presence was steady, intentional, and deeply felt.

In his final days, Joe was surrounded by family, sharing meaningful and humorous stories from a life well lived. He found comfort in knowing that his life was filled with love, purpose, and conviction, and that he would be remembered for the strength of his character and the depth of his devotion to those he loved.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Nichols; his siblings, William Nichols and Susan Hastie; and his beloved grandson, Deacon deGarmeaux.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Nichols; his children and their spouses: Monica and Gabe deGarmeaux, Michelle and Wes Henckel, and Joseph and Kristen Nichols; seven cherished grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Agnes Ellis.

Joe’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, the values he modeled, and the countless moments he shared with those around him.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to share stories and photographs in remembrance of him