Obituary published on Legacy.com by Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Nov. 12, 2025.
On November 8th, 2025, Gavin Patrick Nieman Sr. passed away surrounded by friends and family and is now at peace in the loving presence of the Lord.
Gavin was born in
Memphis, TN, on May 23rd, 1958, to his parents, John "Jack" Nieman and Lois Gavin Nieman. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School in 1976, and continued to cherish his fond memories of being a Brother's Boy for the rest of his life. He went on to attend the University of Memphis, where he got his degree in Business. His loyalty to his school continued, as he cheered on the Memphis Tigers for years to come.
After graduating from college, while working at Steak and Ale, he met his wife, Sherrill Ann Nieman. The two got married on Gavin's 34th birthday on May 23rd, 1992. They were married for 33 incredible years and welcomed Gavin's three greatest joys in life-his children, Gavin Patrick, Sam, and Anna Bryan.
Gavin worked diligently at each job he had. He worked as an account executive at Schering-Plough for 18 years, where he built long-lasting relationships. He later worked for Colgate-Palmolive as an oral care consultant for the next 15 years. Being a salesman allowed him to do what he loved most: talking to strangers and building personal connections with those around him. Many will say Gavin, also known as "Goose," never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and, after ten minutes, would consider them a friend. Aside from his occupations, Gavin's real favorite job in this world was being a father. He was incredibly proud of his children and did everything he could to make sure they knew unconditional love. Whether it was driving late at night to pick up snacks to cheer them up while studying, or driving three hours to bring them something they'd forgotten at home, no task was a burden for Gavin because of the love he had for his children. Beyond being a wonderful father and husband, Gavin was equally as proud to be a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
He lovingly leaves behind his wife, Sherrill Ann Nieman, and three children: Gavin Patrick Nieman Jr. (Morgan), Samuel Hardin Nieman, and Anna Bryan Nieman. Two brothers: John "Jackie" Nieman (Joan) and his children Stephanie Daniel (Ross) and Bradley Nieman (Abby), and David Nieman (Kathleen) and his children Caroline Kinard (Austin) and Andrew Nieman. Gavin is also survived by many loving cousins and friends. He often bragged about having over fifty first cousins, who were always his best friends.
Gavin is reunited in Heaven with many loved ones, including his mother, Lois Gavin Nieman, and his father, John "Jack" Nieman, as well as his mother-in-law, Marilyn, and his father-in-law, James Van Eynde, and other loved family members.
Gavin was a devout Catholic throughout his life, and his faith never wavered. He enjoyed attending daily and weekly Mass, as well as adoration once a week, for many years. He was a member of the St. Louis Men's Club and always looked forward to supporting the church and school through his favorite annual event-the Hole-in-One.
The visitation will take place at St. Louis Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 12th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 13th, at 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gavin's name to Christian Brothers High School, St. Louis Catholic Church, St. Michael's Catholic Church, or
The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue,
Memphis, Tennessee 38119. "Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924."