Kenneth Lee Nichols

There are people whose presence fills a room — not with noise, but with warmth. Ken Nichols was one of those people. He didn’t need a spotlight to make an impact; he just lived with such heart, such purpose, and such consistency that anyone who crossed his path came away knowing they had met someone truly special.

Ken was born on May 20, 1934, in a farmhouse in Cookietown, Oklahoma, the oldest child of Henry “Buck” Nichols and Jewel Mabel (Cornelius) Nichols. He grew up surrounded by faith, hard work, and a strong sense of community. His family was deeply connected to Union Valley Baptist Church, where his mother taught Sunday School and his father was a deacon who helped build the stone sanctuary. At just 14, Ken hauled the rocks that became the walls of that church — the first of many things he would help build in his life.

He graduated from Union Valley Schools at 17, played high school basketball, and went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After college, he served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany — the first of many places his journey would take him.

While working at Gateway Ford Truck Sales in Fort Worth, Ken met Mary. By her own account, she didn’t like him much at first — she preferred cowboys. He didn’t even own a pair of jeans, let alone boots and a hat. But something shifted. She saw beyond the pressed slacks and clean shoes and found a partner whose depth, devotion, and drive would come to define not just their love, but their life together. They were married for 49 years.

In 1977, Ken and Mary moved to El Paso for what would become a defining chapter. Through Ford’s development program, Ken opened a heavy truck dealership — and completed the company’s fastest-ever buyout, earning full ownership in record time. From there, his business legacy took flight. He acquired several automotive and heavy truck franchises, including Ford, Kenworth, and Toyota, across Fort Worth, Weatherford, Albuquerque, and Amarillo. He founded Southwest Truck Leasing, growing it into a 400-truck fleet. In 1990, he bought Nichols Ford in Fort Worth — the dealership he cherished most — and ran it until his retirement in 2000.

But Ken’s greatest achievements weren’t the buildings he owned or the titles he held — they were the people he poured into. Former employees remember his daily hugs, his booming laugh — the kind that warmed a room before he even said a word — and the Christmas parties where every employee’s child received a wrapped gift from Santa. He took managers on reward trips to Mexico, Padre, the Caribbean — even Hawaii.

“He was the best boss I ever had,” many have said. “I was never more proud to work anywhere than I was working for Ken Nichols.”

Ken led with integrity and expected the same from those around him. He held people accountable, but he always followed correction with appreciation — and often, a hug. Even employees who hadn’t worked for him in decades still carry his voice, his values, and his generosity with them.

Outside of work, Ken and Mary made the most of every season together. He earned his pilot’s license and used it to travel between his dealerships. Later, he earned his captain’s license, and together they explored the waters of Florida and the Exumas in a series of boats — each one, without fail, named Sweet Mary.

He wasn’t one to truly slow down. Even after retiring, Ken returned for one final venture — purchasing Lone Star Chrysler Jeep Ram in Cleburne, which he later sold to his daughter and son-in-law.

But through all of his ventures and victories, Ken’s compass never wavered. It always pointed back to faith and family.

He remained devoted to Union Valley Baptist Church, where his journey began, and to Birchman Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where he and Mary were active members. He always enjoyed his frequent lunches at Bonnell’s with Brother Bob. He also had a warm spot for Brother Ritter at Union Valley — the pastor who helped shape his early faith — and he never forgot him. Ken often returned to visit and stayed in contact, continuing to financially support the little rock church that he and his dad helped build. These weren’t gestures of obligation. They were acts of gratitude, of honor, of belief in giving back to the places and people who gave so much to him.

Ken was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found such joy in being with family — especially the littlest ones. Whether playing basketball in the driveway, swimming in the pool, or dancing in the living room, he was never far from a smile, a story, or a laugh. He had a soft spot for babies and was blessed to be surrounded by them in his final years — a gift that brought him endless joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anna (Nichols) Hays, and his son Kyle Nichols. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; daughter Kimberly Danley (Dan); sons Wade Swift (Shelly) and Wayne Swift (Sheryl); siblings Ray Nichols (Sherrie), Jerry Nichols, and Patty McCullough; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken Nichols lived a life full of movement — across states, skies, and seas — but his legacy is not about where he went. It’s about how he made people feel along the way. He made them feel seen. He made them feel appreciated. He made them feel loved.

And that, more than anything, is what he built.

Family and friends are invited to a reception following the burial at Laurel Land Funeral Home to share memories and stories with the family.

In lieu of flowers you are welcome to make donations to The Birchman Baptist Building fund.