Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Darrell Nichols Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Nichols
Kimberly Dritto
December 15, 2009
Travis we went to school together and had not seen each other in 10years, but you still have that big smile like you always did. You are bringing heaven so much joy with that smile and your voice.
Joan Godsey
November 22, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Nicole Levasseur
November 21, 2009
I will never forget his positive and silly ways. His passing is a tragedy and it breaks my heart. Mandy, I hope you know your friends and family are here for you.
Joel Atance
November 20, 2009
So long Travis. I didn't know you well, but as a student, you made this professor's job easier and more enjoyable. Best wishes to those you leave behind.
Louann Barnum
November 19, 2009
To the family of Travis, I wish to wish my sincere sympathy. I want to tell you that Travis was loved very much by me. When I was in rehab in the hospital following back surgery, he came up to see me a few times. He once sang for me accapella and was so, so great as a singer. One of his visits, we talked about many things, but mostly about his loving parents, his love for God, his past mistakes he made, how he loved music, how nervous he was to take the test to become an occupational therapist, and how he loved his family.
Cecil and Beverly, you had a very special son, and I am glad he touched my life. May God bless you and comfort you during this extremely sorrowful time.
Love and prayers.
Dorros Evans
November 19, 2009
To the Nichols family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. I graduated with Travis from the OTA Program at JCHS. I will always remember all of the funny things Travis would do and say in class. I was always glad when Travis made me laugh, he was full of joy! I will continue to pray that the Lord will comfort your hearts.
Kristen Mayhew-Chavarria
November 19, 2009
Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Nichols family. I hadn't seen Travis since High School when we sang the National Anthem together at every home basketball game. I know Travis is singing with the heavenly choir now. God Bless you all and don't forget we will all meet again some day.
Trish Gross,West
November 19, 2009
Travis you were like my own nephew,your smile,your kindness and your laughter will stay in my heart forever.Mandy,Joan,along with all our family and friends at Marks house will not be the same without you Travis.You were the fountain of youth for us,we needed all the laughter you brought in the door with you.It is my pleasure to have known you from a very little boy to the fine young man you became.I know when you went through the gates of heaven singing you were greeted with open arms by our loving Lord.God Bless you.The impression you left on our souls will never be forgotten.My sympathy goes out to everone who knew and loved you..I know I'll miss you forever.
Celeste (Smelser) Baldino - LBHS '95
November 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Nichols family. I haven't seen Travis since High School but remember his voice and how he made everyone laugh. He will be missed by many!
Laura Garnett-Ranzer
November 18, 2009
Travis was a wonderful person. Everyone who met him, loved him. He was always able to make us laugh. His voice was amazing. Travis will be greatly missed. He made our world a better place and those who knew him are better people for having him in our lives.
Brian Bishop
November 18, 2009
I met Travis through a person I consider a very close friend, his sister Mandy. Travis and I were striking up our own friendship and I am deeply saddened by his passing. I only knew him for a short time, but I am grateful for that short time. My heart goes out to the Nichols family all who were close to Travis.
Lauren Jones
November 18, 2009
Mandy and Amy,
So sorry for your loss. Y'all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you both.
Deanne Page Warren
November 18, 2009
My thoughts & prayers go out to all of Travis's friends & family. He was a really great person,friend & neighbor. He was on his way to maken a difference in this world. He will be missed dearly. Im gonna miss seeing his smile, hearing him sing, gettin text messages from him almost weekly checking in on me and my baby Kaylee, askin if we had any bread for the sheep and just seeing how we all were doing. He was a very caring and loving person. I still cant believe he is gone. He is in a better place singing with the angels. Love ya Travis were gonna miss ya. Deanne, Kaylee & Jesse Warren
Judy Shorter Thierry
November 18, 2009
To the Nichols family,
Travis was a very special young man. He was always smiling, singing and joking around. He will be missed by many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
April Lovern
November 18, 2009
My name is April. I am an OT that Travis worked with at Carilion as part of his education. I very much enjoyed Travis. He was motivated to learn and succeed and worked so well with the people we had here. I know he was a great therapist.
David Gill
November 17, 2009
I knew Travis in High School and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He is rejoicing with the Lord now and I pray for your family. Travis will be missed!
Mike Milam
November 17, 2009
Travis's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie Ortiz
November 17, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. I only met Travis a few weeks ago at Carrington Place in Wytheville. I was doing nursing clinicals there and that is how I met him. He was a person that left an impression on somebody. I was shocked to here of his passing. He seemed to make the therapy room an exciting place to be. It's like he set the mood for everybody. It was a quiet somber place this past monday. I was glad that I got to know him those few Monday's, but he is in a better place. May God bless you all and you will be in my prayers.
Anna & Ginger Ferrell
November 17, 2009
I remember Travis in Choir class. He will be missed, My heart is with his family.
Jeremy and Debbie Seitz
November 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tara (Stanley) Meeks
November 17, 2009
I am so sad to hear the news about Travis. I think so many of our memories are of how he made us LAUGH! I can remember so many stories from school and his awesome sense of humor. I hope he realized that impact on so many people and how he made so many peoples days brighter. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leah Cassell
November 17, 2009
November 17,2009
*Travis,you will be missed dearly,you have touched many hearts and souls at Carrington Place! We all have had it pretty ruff but yet holding our heads up high,we all got to be strong! We all know that you are in a better place now but wish there was something that we could have done or helped with! Your an Angel with Wings up above lookin down over us smilein with those pretty blue eyes thinkin whats everyone cryin about,thats a joke like Travis would say! Right!! I'll miss all the laughs we had together!
(God Bless)Your True Friend, Leah A.Cassell
Eva & Josh Sprouse
November 17, 2009
Cecil and Beverley,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Travis will be deeply missed. Please let us know if you need anything at all. We love and are praying for you and your family.
alexis burnette
November 17, 2009
travis goodness where do i even start . you had the best voice ever ! we had the best times together and you always knew how to cheer someone up ! you are in most of my best memories ! i will love you always and forever you cousin lexie
Casandra Cregger
November 17, 2009
He will be greatly missed. He touched so many lives in so many ways.
April Harrison
November 17, 2009
Travis was our class clown and made me laugh every day. He was one of the highlights of my 2 years at JCHS. He was a wonderful guy and he will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Nichols family.
Erin Waterman-Edwards
November 17, 2009
I will never forget you, friend.
Crystal Creasey
November 17, 2009
Beverly and Cecil, I am so sorry for your loss of Travis. Although I had not seen him for quite some time, I still remember him as my buddy. He would always give me a hug every time that I saw him. May God give you comfort now as he only can. I know what it is like to lose a child and if you ever want to talk, I am here for you. In Christian Love, Crystal
Reagan Flaherty-Sampson
November 17, 2009
Travis had the voice of angel! When he would sing, it would melt your heart. He had a wonderful sense of humor and I am guessing there was no one he could not make laugh. He was always smiling and so full of life. You will be missed Travis, but I am sure you are making the angels laugh.
Don Harlow
November 17, 2009
I have never before met a guy that was such a joy to be around until I met Travis at college. He was always so helpful, funny and caring to everyone. I truely admired his motivation and drive to be the best therapist possible. He was the only person I could really go to if I had school related problem and he would always be there for me. Travis is one those shooting stars that you only have the chance to glimpse once in a lifetime. I am saddened but honored that I was able to glimpse a portion of his brillance that was his life. He will always be apart of who I am and I will carry him in memories.
Colin Kelley
November 17, 2009
I did not know Travis well just passed him a few times in the halls at LBHS but he made me laugh no matter how bad my day was. My heart goes out to his family and all that knew and loved him.
Emily Ensminger-Martin
November 17, 2009
Travis and i were very close in high school! We would always cut up in choir class. He was truly an amazing person! He had an amzing voice, a great personality and was liked by all. He will be truly missed!
My thought and prayers are with his family!
Robert Keeling
November 17, 2009
Mandy,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother God you know how I loved your brother. I will never forget his smile, the person that he was I will forever miss him. My prayers and thoughts go out to you Mandy and your family. If anything you need please ask God Bless and remember to keep Him to close thee.
Dana Mabry
November 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The Nichols family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Jayna Byrd Rossi
November 17, 2009
I am in shock this morning after hearing this news. Travis and I sat beside each other on the bus for many years...we would sing and laugh together. He was always the funny and kind person that everyone loved in choir. I haven't seen him in many many years but his memory is strong in my heart. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Katelyn Dluzniewski
November 16, 2009
Treasure your memories, let them bring you comfort and peace.
Jane Gilbert
November 16, 2009
I was so blessed to have had Travis be a part of my life. He was my friend and the little brother I never had. We went to Jefferson College together where we shared dreams, tears, anxiety over tests and grades, lots of laughs, and a bond that will never be forgotten. Travis was an incredible person with always a smile, a joke, and a helping hand for everyone. He was the type of person who gave to everyone unconditionally.
My sympathies to the family, you must be so proud of your son and the man that we had become. May God ease your sorrow during this difficult time and may you find peace in knowing that one day you will be together again. Just think of all the new jokes Travis will have waiting for you when you met again.
Jaclyn Tingler
November 16, 2009
Travis and I just spoke last week and it's hard to believe that he is gone. I loved being in class with him and getting to know him. He was a wonderful COTA and President of my class. My condolences to the family.
Jaclyn Tingler JCHS Class of 2009
Amanda Hoback
November 16, 2009
Thank you for being YOU Travis Nichols!
You will be missed by so many!
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...” (John 11:25-26).
Jessica Bolling Lawson (LBHS Class of 98)
November 16, 2009
Travis was one of those kind souls who could touch the lives of each person he came into contact with. I will treasure the memories I have of him from our times at LBHS. I loved hearing him sing and watching him make people laugh. I pray God's peace be with the entire family and his friends during this most difficult time. Mandy, please know you are on the hearts and minds of all of us who had the privilege of knowing your brother. Psalm 118
Diane Trowbridge
November 16, 2009
Travis, you were an outstanding student and a great friend. You touched so many lives in ways that you will never know. My thoughts and prayers are with your family now.
Laurie Minnix
November 16, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April Lambert
November 16, 2009
Dear Nichols family I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I only worked with travis for two weeks but from the first day I meet travis he was so warm , helpful, and a joy to be around. He made me laugh everyday and always took the time to ask me how my day was. I feel like some people are meant to cross our paths to share with us the joy they bring and travis brought joy to everyone he meet.It was amazing to watch him with his patients and see just how much he cared for them. I wish I could have known him longer and shared more memories together. I will always remember you and never forget the two weeks that I was blessed to know you.
Tiffany Cox
November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family! I was really close with Travis in middle school. He was a wonderful person. I was just talking to my girls about the time him and i went to Kings dominon with his church. Thoughts and prayers are with all. Travis you will be missed
November 16, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the whole family. Staff and residents of Carrington Place will miss him. He was a great person to be around and always a smile on his face. RIP!! Travis
Melanie Alford (Carrington Place employee)
Tabitha frye
November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in their time of grief. Travis was a wonderful person. In the short time i worked with him at carrington place it was the best time i've ever had he brought a smile to all our faces and the residents loved him so much. He will be greatly missed im still in shock he is gone. Work will not be the same without him.
November 16, 2009
Mandy and Amy,
Our thoughts and prays are with you..We are so sorry for your loss. You will both be in our prays. We love you both.
Amy and Molly
Derek and Kari Bocock
November 16, 2009
We are fortunate to have known Travis from LBHS and how he could bring a smile to anyone's face. We will always remember his sense of humor and his beautiful voice. We know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time of loss. May God comfort you.
Tracie Duncan
November 16, 2009
Travis was a student and had clinicals at Montgomery Regional Hospital. He always kept us laughing with his jokes and he would make us smile when he would sing. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Krissi & Dena Cocchiola
November 16, 2009
Mandy & Amy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Travis was such a great guy. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you both. We love you.
Karen (Nichols) Goad
November 16, 2009
So sorry to hear about Travis passing, he was a great guy & blessing to our family. He will be sadly missed. Now u can sing to gramma Nichols daily, love you. love always , Karen (Nichols) Goad
November 16, 2009
Travis,
You were my favorite study buddy and I will never be able to go to Star Bucks and not think of you!
~Dixine Darist OTA '09
melissa lyon
November 16, 2009
Travis was such a special person. His laughter was contagious as well as his optimism. He was the best student a clinical supervisor could ask for. He will be deeply missed! Melissa Lyon, clinical supervisor at Carilion
KAREN (NICHOLS) GOAD
November 16, 2009
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, TRAVIS WAS A GREAT MAN. OUR FAMILY WAS SO VERY BLESSED TO HAVE HAD HIM. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED . LOVE, KAREN (NICHOLS) GOAD
Herb Schneider
November 16, 2009
Travis,
You will be sorely missed.
You are a blessing.
Dianne Waterman
November 16, 2009
Beverly, Cecil, and Mandy, I know that words cannot take away the pain you are feeling right now, soon the pain will be replaced with all the fond memories. Travis was such a special young man. He was alway being such a prankster. I am so glad that he was part of my girls lives, I have lots of treasured moments that I will hold dear. God bless you, if you need anything please call me, I will do what we can. Mandy you are in my thoughts and prayers, I love you, Dianne Shelton Waterman (JHS '72)
Tracy Bryant
November 16, 2009
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Travis was a wonderful person who alway made everyone smile, he will be greatly missed by all.
Tracy Bryant LBHS 97
Stephanie Peck
November 16, 2009
TRAVIS! You were an amazing guy! You went out of your way to help me with even the smallest things! I am greatful to have known you!! I will miss you deeply!
JCHS OTA Class of 2010
Wayne Looney
November 16, 2009
It was a pleasure knowing Travis,from attending Lord Botetourt with him, to the times he used to come into my shop and we would service his old bmw years ago, we always seemed to cross paths from time to time at the flea markets and junk sales, he always greeted me with a smile. my thoughts and prayers are with your family
Kim (Nichols) Thomas
November 16, 2009
I am sad to hear this news! My heartfelt condolences go out to you all in this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Snow
November 16, 2009
Travis, I miss you so much...I miss how you would always sing everytime you came to my house to pick me up..I miss how you always made me smile...I miss how just the other night when we went to Roanoke and we shoped around the that Dollar Store..it was a blast..you always seemed to make me smile...you were a great guy.You will always be in my heart and on my mind..I love you Travis
Lynn Freeman
November 16, 2009
I am so very sad to hear this news. Travis was a ray of sunshine everytime he came into the office at JCHS. Travis was a very pleasant person to be around and I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
November 16, 2009
I am in shock and disbelief. I hurt so I can only imagine how your family feels. Mandy you are such a special person and you have such a special brother. I wish I could take your pain away. I just talked to Travis a couple weeks ago and we were making plans to hang out again and I wish we had, I wish I could of seen him one more time, I wish I could of laughed with him and at him one more time, I wish I could of sang with him one more time... most of all I wish I could of hugged him one more time.
May GOD gave you the comfort you need, I pray you rest in his arms and you look to him for the strength you need right now.
Julie Shaw
Jennifer (Hall) Dela Cruz
November 16, 2009
I am blessed having known you Travis. You gave laughter to many people..You will be missed. May God comfort your family during this time of loss.
JENNIFER (HALL) DELA CRUZ
November 16, 2009
I am blessed having known you Travis. You gave laughter to many people..You will be missed. May God comfort your family during this time of loss.
Jessica (Davisson) Reichmuth
November 15, 2009
My condolences to the Nichols family at this time of grief. I knew Travis while at LBHS, and he was full of heart. I know he will be missed.
Sarah Hunt & OTA class of '09
November 15, 2009
Travis,
You are going to be dearly missed by everyone who has gotten the chance to know you. You are an amazing person and an amazing COTA. May you rest in peace. Thoughts, prayers, and love for the entire Nichol's family from the entire OTA class of '09!
Katrina (Elliott) Kish
November 15, 2009
I am so saddened to hear this news. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Becca Wilson
November 15, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with your family!
You were always a silly fun loving soul.
Casey Dicken
November 15, 2009
Travis, I miss you so much. I miss your zany off the wall humor. How u would impersonate people and act special at Walmart. I miss you singing Leanne Rimes. I miss you finding the best deals at the good will. I miss your smile. I miss how I had an unconditional friendship with you. I just want to hug you and make it better. I wish this was all a dream and I could just wake up. I keep waiting for you to come walking thru the door with ten bags of discounted food you got for under five bucks.....lol. You always made me laugh. I am truly blessed to have had you as a roommate and a friend. I love you travis. Last night I stared into the sky above and was wondering can you see us. I wish I could just see you again. Now your with God and I will see you again one day. Until then, I love you. Casey Dicken.
Sherri Carico
November 15, 2009
I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person. Although I didn't get to know Travis as well as some, I admired the person he was while employed at Carrington Place. All the residents loved him and I believe he did them as well. May your days ahead bring you special memories to ease the pain you are now suffering.
Ashliegh Ward
November 15, 2009
My heart pours in sympathy for the Nichols family at this time, and may god bless this family at their time of need, Travis will be greatly missed by many, and Mandy i can only imagine your pain but please find comfort in your friends and family because we all know you two were very close! RIP Travis We love you and you will greatly missed!
James Kittinger
November 15, 2009
I miss you so much Travis it hurt me that I will never get to see you again are here your voice. I will always love you an my heart will always be yours.
James Kittinger
November 15, 2009
Travis words can not express how much you mean to me and how lost I am without you now. When I learned yesterday you had passed away I was broken inside I felt like part of me was gone. Being with you made me a better man and I could have not asked for a better partner then you. We had our problems but all relationships do. Travis I am numb inside and know one will never know how much I love you. I am still in shock your gone. Every time I closed my eyes last night I seen you beautiful face. I will never get to here you sweet voice again and I will never be held by you again. I want you to know that you have my heart an it will always be your.
Love,
James Kittinger
James Kittinger
November 15, 2009
Travis, Was the only person I truly loved and my heart belongs to him. I can not even imagine seeing him any more or seeing his pretty blue eyes. My heart belongs to him and I will always love him. I can not see myself without him an I will always remember the two years and two month we had together. If I knew what I knew now babe I would have never asked for a break. I have cried so much and I feel numb inside. I am lost without you an will not be whole again into I see you again.
Love always,
James Kittinger
p.s. Darrell Travis Nichols and Jame David Kittinger forever
Tracy Canaday
November 15, 2009
Words cannot express right now how I feel, but I know that I am one of the lucky ones in this world who got to know Travis. If anyone knew how to make people laugh it was Travis. I will never forget his smile, sense of humor and beautiful singing voice!
My heart goes out to his family and in particular to Mandy.Also I hope all of his friends find comfort in knowing how much we loved him. Words right now cannot express how heavy my heart is. I love you Travis!
Jessika Schwartz & Family
November 15, 2009
Travis was a kind and caring person and will be missed by all who had a chance to cross his path. My heart goes out to his family and sister. I hope you find peace in your time of loss.
Showing 1 - 77 of 77 results
Make a Donation
in Darrell Nichols's name
Memorial Events
for Darrell Nichols
Funeral services provided by:
Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory - Peters Creek Road5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019-3810
How to support Darrell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Darrell Nichols's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
