Carroll Dennis Nichols

Carroll Dennis "Nick" Nichols, 78, of Lubbock, Tx, passed away on December 7, 2025. He was born in Matador, Tx, on July 24, 1947. Carroll attended school in Matador; he joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1965, and served our country aboard the submarine, the USS Haddo until he was honorably discharged in October of 1974. He then went on to have a long career as a tool and dye machinist, working for Grinnell/TYCO for 40 years.

Carroll is survived by his daughter, Jerri Hemmingson (Matt), his son Chad Nichols (Angella) and his grandchildren, Brandon Johnson, Megann Johnson (Sam), Mark Hemmingson (Kemberly), Kassady Hemmingson, Eian Johnson, Kari Hemmingson, Autumn Nichols, Austin Nichols, Andrew Nichols (Julia), Paul Poonpanich (Presley), Donavon Nichols, 6 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Virginia Martin, and Rita Nichols-Little, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruby Nichols, his brother Manuel Bridges, and his sister Vada Watt. He also leaves behind his cherished cat, Delilah, and his dear friend Zachariah Trevino, who was a tremendous help to Carroll when he could no longer keep up with his yardwork, and who visited him often. Anyone who knew Carroll, knew that he maintained his yard scrupulously and took great pride in it.

Carroll was a good citizen, very conscientious; he liked the simple things in life and loved to tell stories of his childhood in Matador and his time on submarines in the Navy. He was Virginia's favorite childhood playmate, and he helped raise Rita and taught her many things before he left for the Navy. He took great care of his mother, Ruby, visiting her almost daily to check on her and keep her company in the last years of her life. His family will miss his quirky sayings and jokes, and his purposefully inaccurate accounts of history and random musings about all kinds of different things. He enjoyed sharing experiences with kids (all kids!), such as outings to historical places and trips to the Science Spectrum, museums, and the IMAX theater. He especially loved his grandchildren and was a big part of their lives. He loved having conversations with his brothers in law: Carson Watt about hunting and history, Smokey Martin about cars and motorcycles, and Button Little about history and politics.

The family is thankful for the caring staff at The Gardens at Shadow Hills and also Interim Healthcare & Hospice of Lubbock. A private family gathering in honor of Carroll will be held in January. The family requests that in memory of Carroll, donations may be made to https://www.swparkinson.org