VICTORIA - The world has lost a wonderful man. William Richard "Nick" Nichols of Wood Hi passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born May 28, 1931 in Walnut Springs, TX to the late Sears and Leta Nichols.
Nick is survived by his adoring wife Martha Hanselka Nichols, children William "Bill" Nichols (Debbie), John S. Nichols (Donna), Melanie Stolte, and Teresa Snider (Erik); his grandchildren Sonya, Chris, Aaron, Gretchen, David, Jessica, Joy, Judy, Johnny, Ross, Kristopher and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Ruth Lay (Joe), Becky Thomas (Mac) and his wonderful friend Dr. Matthew Brams.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Debbie Saunders and sister Mary Webb and one grandchild.
If you knew “Mr. Nick” you knew he loved to teach if you wanted to learn. He also had a dry sense of humor….and would catch you off guard when you least expected it.
Nick was a kind and loving soul.
Nick grew up on a farm around Walnut Springs near Fort Worth, Texas. As a young boy, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He started work cutting fence posts in his preteen years. He went on to work at Bowie Theater in Fort Worth as an usher. He started fence construction and worked at a rabbit farm during his high school years. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1948.
Nick was a Proud Texan and loved the Texas Heritage.
In 1950, he joined the Navy at age 19 and went through boot camp in San Diego, CA and trained at the Naval Air station in Lake Hurst, NJ to be a parachute rigger. He was then stationed in Hutchinson, KS where he sewed and packed parachutes and flight gear. While he was stationed in Corpus Christi, on leave in Victoria, TX he met Mary Estella Cano and married in 1952. Nick and Stella had 4 children.
Nick served a 4 year tour of duty and was honorably discharged in June of 1954.
He maintained a lifelong friendship with Martin Cano Sr and sons Martin, Julius, and Jeff, hunting and fishing with them for many years.
Nick was hired into Union Carbide in 1954 and worked as a lab analyst in the Chemicals and Gas lab, Water Treating Lab, and ACR lab. At the time of his retirement in 1989, he was a supervisor in the Chemicals and Gas Lab. That same year, he returned as a contractor for BHP Engineering in a Hydrocarbon Chemist and Methods Development role. He worked from 1989 to 1994 in this position.
On March 31, 1979 Nick married Martha Hanselka Nichols whom he adored for 42 years. They resided in Port Lavaca, TX for a short period and enjoyed many fishing trips together during this time. Nick’s special nickname for Martha was “My Sweet”.
In 1981, they moved to Wood Hi on property belonging to Martha's parents. In 1985, Nick and Martha had one child. Nick enjoyed homeschooling his youngest daughter Teresa from 6th grade through high school, teaching her American History, Texas History, Math, Algebra and Science. He always told her "Remember, no one can take knowledge away from you."
Nick always had many special pets in his life that loved him. Matilda, Mr. Fritz and Prissy will miss him dearly.
Nick was an intelligent man of few words and many talents. He loved to read and learn things. He was an excellent gunsmith, built fishing rods and was a gifted carpenter. He also loved to garden and took special interest in pecans, creating many grafts for different pecan varieties.
Nick was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church but also attended the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inez, TX.
A rosary and memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 105 N William St, Victoria, TX on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 1:30PM.
Graveside services to follow at Shillerville Cemetery in Wood Hi, TX. Nick will be buried with Military Honors.
A reception will be held immediately after the graveside service at the Wood Hi Community center at the intersection of FM1686 and Wood Hi School Rd in Wood Hi, TX.
Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons - Chris Nichols, Aaron Belleri, Ross Burks, Kristopher Stolte, David Nichols, and John L. Nichols.
Special Thanks to Hospice of South Texas for their care and love during the last few weeks.
Also Special Thanks to Independent Care Givers, Nancy Rosas for helping us take care of Nick and give him so wonderful days at home.
If desired, in memory of Nick, donations can be made to Hospice of South Texas or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
