Robert Douglas Nuckols

Robert Douglas (Doug) Nuckols, age 83 passed away on May 22, 2024 in Hendersonville, TN.  Doug was truly a loving husband, father, papa, and great grandpa.

He is survived by his dedicated wife Martha of 60 years; two daughters, Karen (Steve) Albers and Linda (Geoff) Thoren; five grandchildren, Ethan Albers, Haley (Jordan) Sharp, Hunter (Tali) Thoren, Megan Albers, and Blake Thoren; two sweet great-grandsons, Isaiah and Levi Sharp; sister, Diane (Dave) Busse; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Floyd) Foster; brother-in-law, Larry (Brenda) Ulrich; and many nieces and nephews.

Doug was born on February 1, 1941 in South Bend, Indiana to Bob and Dorothy Nuckols. He attended grade school in Mundelein, IL and Junior High/High School and College in Naperville, Illinois.  He met Martha at North Central College and they married June 1964, lived in St Charles, IL and eventually Homewood, IL where they raised their two daughters. Doug worked for Ford Motor company for 30 years as an Engineer. In retirement, Doug and Martha had a home in Hazelhurst, WI, The Villages, FL and most recently Hendersonville, TN to be near family.

Doug grew up with great enthusiasm for sports and had a variety of interests. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Doug was a collegiate athlete at North Central College where he held records and received honors for Cross Country and Track. He is featured on the FieldHouse wall and received the Shatzer Memorial Award: Best All Around Senior Athlete NCC 1963…that we recently found out about!

Doug had a variety of interests including woodworking, car restoration, and music.  He showed his family most of the United States by car via camping. He enjoyed road trips, national parks, hiking, and skiing as well as biking in his later years. He enjoyed both tennis and golf well into retirement and had first and only hole in one just a few years ago. Doug was an avid reader and movie watcher-often doing them at the same time-and kept lists of every book and movie. He had a fantastic sense of humor and valued his health.

Doug lived a Christian life, active in the United Methodist church.  Doug was an honest, kind, loving man with a gentle smile. He loved to tell stories about his life, especially in Naperville. He was dedicated to his wife Martha and was very present in his daughters' lives. He was a very proud Grandpa and Gigi.  Alzheimer’s may have changed his brain but it can never take away all the wonderful memories.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, North Central College of Naperville, IL, the Olympics Team USA Fund, or the church of your choice.