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Norvil Nichols Obituary

Norvil J. Nichols Lansing On July 7, 2010 God's Eternal Wisdom sealed the lips of Norvil Joseph Nichols. A lifelong resident of Lansing, Michigan, he was the second of four children born to Harold and Madeline Nichols. "Sandy" or Nick as he was affectionately known loved sports including basketball and baseball, but especially football. While attending J. W. Sexton High School in 1947 Sandy was one of the first black quarterbacks. Later Norvil began coaching basketball at the Lincoln Center. Immediately after high school, he began working for General Motors where he retired from after 40 years. Norvil is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Nichols, Madeline (Lucas) Nichols, Percy Washington; brother, Charles; sister, Haroldine "Deannie" Nichols; son, Paul Roy Nichols; and wife, Joyce Nichols. He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Debra K. Nichols of Los Angeles, CA, Sandra Ann and Phyllis of Flint, MI, Nadme of Atlanta, GA; sons, Ricky of Flint, MI, Michael of Oakland, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010 at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Black Child & Family Institute, 835 W. Genesee St., Lansing, MI 48915. On-line condolences may be sent at www.gorslineruncimanlansing.com. The family of Norvill Nichols sincerely appreciates the love and kindness expressed during this time of sorrow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jul. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Norvil Nichols

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clem pierce

November 10, 2010

i got the news too late of sandys demise he was like a very dear brother to me..christmas time was fun he was my best friend if he had two friends i was the third he will be very sorely missed by me debbie please call me 5756523733 k
kix,sweets, and little man Clem Pierce

deborah birch-ford

August 1, 2010

May god be with you all in your time of sorrow Uncle Nick was my favorite uncle he made the early part of my teenage years enjoyable I will never forget that my prayers are with you all

Deborah Birch-Ford

Barbara Atkins

July 15, 2010

Sandy will be greatly missed. As my brother-in-law, he added many years of laughter to my life. He will be missed.

Barbara Nichols-Atkins

July 14, 2010

Hi Debbie,

This is Arnie Baker. Sorry to hear about your dad. I didn't know him but i know you and i know it has to be a big lost for you. The picture i saw online looks like you have his smile and his eyes. May god be with you always.
P.S. Remember the fro

Arnie

Pauline Johnson-West

July 13, 2010

Nichols Family, Sandy will be greatly miss,

July 13, 2010

It's been a pleasure "Sandy". With great sympathy to the family.
Gil Hill(Lansing)

Jeanette Scroggins

July 13, 2010

God has been good to "Nick". I enjoyed coming to his U of M versus MSU parties even though he rooted for the wrong (Michigan)team. He loved life and people and celebrated both. My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Debbie, and May God give you peace, comfort and make His face to shine upon you as only He can.

Rev. Stephen Ezop

July 13, 2010

Debra and all of the family. It was a joy to get to know you and hear of the life that Norvil led. He was a blessed man to have you all in his life. You are all in my prayers.

Frank & Joanne McIntyre

July 13, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Rosalie Marve

July 12, 2010

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which cometh my help, my help comes from the Lord!!!
My dear ole friend, Deb Nichols, family,friends & loved ones...May you find comfort in the wonderful memories. May God's grace and peace be with you all in your time of sorrow.
Deepest Sympathy, much love & peace,
Rosalie Metcalfe Marve

Curtis, Sharon McCatrey

July 12, 2010

Our Condolences goes to the family of My Friend Norvil "Nick". He will be missed. May GOD give everyone Strenght and everyone is in our Prayers. Curtis and Sharon McCatrey

Pierre Butler

July 12, 2010

The Butler family would like to extend our condolences from our family to yours. Mr. Nichols was a beacon of light for many young men just like myself. He always had time to provide insight and encouragement. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.....

Ronald Flowers

July 12, 2010

To Debbie and the Nichols family.
Sandy was a kind person, whom I've never heard him say a harsh word to anyone. People like him are hard to find and he will be surely missed.

Janice, Joyce, Jerry and Butch Sweet/ Fairley/ Horton

July 12, 2010

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers are with you.

James and Janice Fairley

July 11, 2010

Peace and blessings to the family and friends of Sandy Nichols. He was a very kind man and my dear friend from child hood, Joyce, loved her husband a lot. I will always remember his laugh and sense of humor. He always made us feel comfortable around him. Hospitality was his gift. Be at peace, dear ones. His labor is ended.

Love and Prayers,

Deborah Sudduth Garland

July 11, 2010

To Debbie and the Nichols Family,

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! May God keep his loving arms around you in this time of need. Hold all of the good times and memories in your hearts because Mr. Nichols is holding them in his heart, that way you will always be connected!

God's Peace and Blessings to you.

Fondly,
Deborah Sudduth Garland

John (Josh) Jones

July 11, 2010

Sandy was a good football player and a quarterback with intense drive and determination... It was a pleasure to know such a man that loved sports and enjoyed competition. He was a winner.... God gave us a friend that was an inspiration to all of us.

John Jones (South Carolina)

Mary Dixon-Stokes

July 11, 2010

I wish to express my sympathy to the family of Norvel (Sandy) Nichols. May God's love and your pleasant memories of him give you comfort.

July 11, 2010

I remember "Sandy" for his sports ability at Sexton... a true competitor . I was sorry that he did not attend the Class of '48 last reunion in 2008. He was missed. My sincere sympathy to all of his family.
Joan (Beilfuss) Walters, Chicago, IL

Roger Bullen

July 11, 2010

I worked with "Godfather" (affectionally known as) at GM and enjoyed his friendship. I am sorry for your loss; he was a great man and will be missed. Roger C. Bullen, retired, Bldg. 82 dock.

Lisa Bowie

July 9, 2010

Hey Debbie,

I wanted to let you know I was thinking about you during this time of loss, as you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your father was a wonderful man and I have very fond memories of him. My father has assured me, although difficult, because he has lost the only true friend he had left, will do everything he can to help you through this time. So, if you need him reach out to him. He's glad to help.

I'm sorry I cannot be there with you, but know that I am there in spirit and praying for you to have the strength and resolve to get through this very difficult time.

Love you....

Lisa D. Bowie

James and Carrie Martin

July 9, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. May God cradle you in His loving care for now and ever more.....

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