Life Story for
Joel Lee Nichols
Joel Lee Nichols, 64, of Springfield, died on Saturday, March 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving family and wrapped in Jesus’ arms. Joel was born in Texas on March 2, 1953 to proud parents, Lee William and Virginia Dell (Darnell) Nichols
Joel and his family moved around as he grew up. He had an adventurous life sharing many wonderful times with his parents and his brothers, Gary and Daniel. Joel graduated from high school in Springfield. He worked for a while at George Lindsey’s Restaurant (George’s on Glenstone). After graduating he worked at Reliable Chevrolet as a mechanic before starting a 44 year career with O’Reilly Automotive. There he advanced into sales and store management.
Joel and Vickie Barrett met while he worked at George Lindsey’s, fell in love and were married on May 19, 1972. Their love continued to grow each day and was intensified with the birth of their son, Stephen Nichols.
Joel was always known for his orneriness and hard-working attitude. He lived to work and take care of his family. During his rare down time, he enjoyed cooking, hunting, canoeing and being outdoors. On one tubing adventure with his wife and son on the Current River, a storm rolled in and they were struck by lightning. They survived the excitement with minor injuries, including a knocked out filling. Another trip resulted in chasing tents blown away in a tornado. Times like these intensified his love of life, and only added to his desire to do more.
Some of Joel’s proudest moments included being a Boy Scott leader, coaching Vickie’s women’s baseball team and being an honored Deacon at church.
Joel was a born again Christian and a long time member of Broadway Baptist Church (now Crossway Baptist Church). He was “on fire for God”. Joel spent so much time at church that he was encouraged to go home and be with his family.
Joel loved his family and the times they could be together. He shared his opinions freely and once told Stephen and Toni after they announced they were getting married, that he gave them only two years. The weekend before he passed, he proudly told them he was never happier to be wrong and was blessed with 4 grandchildren and their marriage has continued for over 22 years.
Joel is survived by his wife Vickie; his son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Toni Nichols, 4 grandchildren (Nichole and Michelle Abel, Clark Nichols and Jennifer Willhoit), 2 brothers (Gary Nichols and his wife Lori and Daniel Nichols and his wife Liz), and his faithful dogs Thor, Peaches and Princess.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents.
Joel’s family will celebrate his life with a memorial service at the Crossway Baptist Church at 11:30AM, Saturday, April 1, 2017, with Rev. Tom Maples officiating.
Love by some,
Liked by many,
Feared by all.
