Bobby Ray Nicholson Sr.

Mr. Nicholson was the son of Pat Cecile Comilleau.

Bobby was survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy Nicholson, daughter Shelly VanPelt and hus-band Clay, son Bobby Nicholson Jr. and wife Kim, and grandchildren Kelsey VanPelt, Kassidy Nicholson, Kennidy Nicholson, and Karson VanPelt.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother Pat Cecile Comilleau, brother Jimmy Lamar Riggs, sister Jeanette Nicholson, and sister Virginia Dujka.

Mr. Nicholson began his education at Lamar Consolidated High School. He then continued his education, and joined the football team, at Wharton County Junior College. After his short time in Wharton, Bobby soon went to the University of North Texas to continue his football and educational career.

After completing his degree, Bobby became a teacher/coach, first at Wharton High School, then at Industrial High School. While he was head football coach and athletic director at Industrial ISD, Bobby made many contributing factors to the school itself. The most memorable football team he coached at Industrial was nicknamed the “Mean Eighteen”—and for good reason. He always bragged how tough the players were on that particular team. He also coached the mens golf team to a State Championship. Finally, Bobby contributed the famous school song, Patton, to the Industrial school tradition. After coaching, Mr. Nicholson continued to become principal and eventually superintendent at Industrial ISD. Bobby will forever bleed Maroon and Gray for the Cobras.

Mr. Nicholson was remembered by many attributes of his character. While in the career of edu-cation, he genuinely touched the lives of thousands. Bobby also instilled lasting qualities that continue to live on inside those who knew him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman whenever he had free time. Mr. Nicholson was a top notch “Pops” to his grandkids. He left a legacy for them and his two children. One of the most prominent ways people remember Bobby is that he instilled Cobra Pride into anyone he came into contact with.

Bobby would have wanted to give special thanks for all of the memories that he held so dear to his heart. He would also be thankful for those who took the time to sit and listen to his motivating speeches and stories.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 5-9 p.m. at the Inez Community Center. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Victoria with Pastor Jack Hudson and Marilyn Kunkel officiating. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Victoria.

Pallbearers for the service will include Carl Allen, Joe Nichols, Leroy Rankin, Garland Sandhop, Mike Treybig, Bobby Walzel, Scott Walzel, and Jeff Woodring. Honorary pallbearers include all the Cobra Family, past and present, whose lives he impacted through his many years of education and coaching.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bobby Nicholson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Prosperity Bank, 101 S. Main, Victoria, TX 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.