Thomas V. Nichols

Thomas V. Nichols, age 87, of Tuscaloosa, died Friday, July 10, 2015,at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2015 at Skyland Boulevard Baptist Church with Jimmy Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services.He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sara S. Nichols; parents, Murl and Esta Nichols; and brothers, Willis Nichols and Frank Nichols.Survivors include his daughters, Jane Walker and Judy Hayes (Steve); grandchildren, Ben Walker (Lori), Katy Shelby (Brad), Douglas Hayes (Cayla); nine wonderful great-grandchildren,; and several loving nieces and nephews.He was born in Holt, Alabama, and grew up in Vance and Coaling. For all his years, he considered these communities ""home,"" although he lived his adult life ""in town."" He was affectionately nicknamed ""Snooks"" by those he grew up with, and then known as ""Red"" (for his handsome wavy red hair) throughout his sales career. His first job was driving the school bus for Brookwood High School while yet a student there himself. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and enjoyed a 50-year sales career with R.L. Zeigler Meat Packing Co. While raising his family and in retirement, one of his greatest pleasures was hitching up the camper and hitting the road. Whether in Army service, making sales contacts, or traveling near or far, he never met a stranger and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. And of course, Alabama football and NASCAR were high on his priority list. But his family, immediate and extended, was always the most important, he was always there for any of them with love and devotion, for the long haul, whatever support was needed. He knew and trusted in the Lord God, and now has complete healing. While he leaves a void that can't be filled, he has finally reunited with wife Sara, the love of this life he has continued to yearn for. Pallbearers will be Steve Hayes, Ben Walker, Douglas Hayes, Brad Shelby, Ron Henry, John Nichols, Ronald Henry and Tommy Summerville.Honorary pallbearers will the the office and staff of Zeigler's, Dr. George Miller, Heritage Health Care Station, the Jesse Johnson Family, Sgt. David Henry, Combat Medic, Brookwood High School Classmates of 1947, and Skyland Blvd. Baptist Church.