Robert Wayne Nichols

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL- Robert Wayne Nichols passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. Services for Mr. Nichols will be conducted in the chapel of Hooper, Huddleston, Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville on Thursday, April 10 at 12 noon with Reverend Chip Hunter and Reverend Dr. Kevin Conrad officiating. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home beginning at 10 am until the start of service.

Mr. Nichols was born at his home in Robertson County, Tennessee on January 20, 1931, and was the fourteenth of fifteen children born to the late Bates and Susie Nichols.

Following graduation from Coopertown High School in Robertson County, Mr. Nichols attended Middle Tennessee State University on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1952. He then enrolled and later graduated from Peabody College with a Masters Degree and an Ed.S. In conjunction with the Ed.S. requirement, he served an internship through Camarillo State Hospital in Camarillo, California.

Following completion of his internship in Camarillo, California, Mr. Nichols worked in the field of mental health for thirty-six years, twenty-three of which were with Plateau Mental Health Center in Cookeville, TN where he served as Director of Clinical Services. He retired from that facility in 1993.

Mr. Nichols was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany for fifteen months. In September 1969, Mr. Nichols’ family relocated to Cookeville and he became actively involved within the community. He served on the first Board of Directors for the Cookeville Rescue Mission and on the Board of Directors for Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, attending the Backslider’s Sunday School Class, serving as a church usher for 42 years and was chairperson of the Administrative Board. Mr. Nichols was a member of the Cookeville Golf Club and a former president of the Cookeville Lion’s Club. Following his retirement, Mr. Nichols had the privilege of playing approximately 150 golf courses. He was a member of Cookeville Senior’s Golf Club and also enjoyed farming, producing hay, and raising cattle.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Pennington Nichols, of Cookeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Bob Blair of Cookeville; a son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Robyn Nichols of Lascassas; a daughter and son-in law, Cindy and Alan Bridges of Murfreesboro; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Blair) Blair, Lindsey (Mark) Elliott, Brittany (Forrest) Farrer, Bethany (Derek) Faust, Courtney (Brad) Woodson, Lucy, and Abby Bridges; twelve great grandchildren, Addie, Elle, Ian and Anna Blair and Taylor, Noah, Amara, Zeke, and Malachi Elliott and Mary-Ansley and Sutton Farrer and Delaney Faust; stepdaughters and spouses, Gwen and Charlie Hewgley and Beverly and Barney DeWeese.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Edith Teasley Nichols, and fourteen brothers and sisters, twins Roy and Ray Nichols, Harry Nichols, Mabel Cox, Alma Ellis, Francis Thacker, Myrtle Felts, Marie Wilson Harris, Blanche Nichols, E.B., twins Ralph and Alph Nichols, Ruth Cotter, and Wilma Sue Nichols.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Blair, Mark Elliott, Forrest Farrer, Derek Faust, Brad Woodson, Ian Blair and Noah Elliott

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to Cookeville First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 165 E. Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931- 526-6111). You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.