Sgt. Samuel Evan Nichols

1984 - 2020

BORN

1984

DIED

2020

Sgt. Nichols Obituary

Sgt. Samuel Evan Nichols, USMC, retired, entered into eternal life on April 3rd, 2020. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Erin, his parents, Eric Nichols (Wendy) and Kelley Vidrio (Jose), his brothers, Donny (Brandi) and Marty Nichols (Emily), maternal grandfather, Earl Hendricks, 10 nieces and nephews, mother-in-law, Julie Neria, father-in-law, Tony Neria and sister-in-law, Allison Neria Muzzalupo (Luis). Sam was born on August 12th, 1984 in Sacramento, Ca. From a young age he enjoyed comic books, martial arts and drumming. He grew up attending Zion Lutheran Church in North Highlands with his family. Sam lived a life of service, starting as a Boy Scout and continued in Casa Roble Fundamental High School's AFJROTC where he earned the rank of Cadet Colonel. At age 19 he entered the Marine Corps as an Artillery Canoneer, advancing to Section Chief. He served two tours in Iraq and was part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the West Pacific where they provided humanitarian aid after a catastrophic landslide in the Philippines. On July 24th, 2007, during his second tour in Iraq, Sam sustained several life-threatening injuries, including a severe traumatic brain injury, after his convoy hit two roadside bombs that resulted in the death of three Marines and one Navy Corpsman. He is a Purple Heart recipient and has spent the past 12.5 years recovering at a rehabilitation home. It cannot be overstated the quality of care he received by his therapists, nurses, CNAs and all the staff throughout his time at Neuro Restorative in Granite Bay, Ca. Sam also received excellent care from Sutter Roseville Medical Center for the countless medical complications he endured from his injuries. The years following his injury were spent reading with his wife, enjoying music, bible study, and enjoying the picturesque scenery at his care home. Despite his circumstances, Sam remained the same positive, funny and chivalrous man he always was. Even those who didn't know him before his injury were able to experience his charm and charisma. We want to express our immense gratitude for the countless prayers and support we have received throughout this journey. A GoFundMe account under the title Celebrate a War Hero has been set up for his wife to help with her transition to the next phase of her life. A Celebration of Life service to be announced.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Apr. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Sgt. Nichols

8 Entries

Traci Stevens

April 18, 2020

Sorry to be posting so late; I didn't find out until last night there was this memorial-book for Sam...

I am one of Sam's many cousins. And while I wasn't close to him because of geography & the age difference (13 years his senior); I gleaned enough of his character from the times that I did spend with him.

Sam was smart, smart enough to be funny (that's a family trait). And his humor had insight, which added richness.

He could be sweet. And I agree with what someone else here wrote about his chivalry; he was unfailingly polite.

He showed self-restraint at a young age, which is admirable because of the patience required ~ he could absorb others' immaturity if necessary...I once saw someone insult him (and this person was physically smaller). But he handled it with gracious deflection & I was impressed.

He was brave, but not just because he was willing to risk his life for his country...It takes courage to be an individual & he was definitley his own person. He wanted a non-traditional wedding theme and did it. He also once told me that when he was finished with military service, he wanted to open his own flower shop ~ which is brave to the extent that it goes against expected gender-roles.

Finally, Sam was unselfish: what else would we call someone who would volunteer for another round of service, when he was already affected by what he'd experienced? I respect the potential risk inherent in his choice & he was exceptional for doing it.

Sam will be very missed & I hope his life's example will be something like a new standard for his fellow Marines.

Mike Conklin

April 17, 2020

Rest in Peace Marine, you made a difference and no one will forget that.

Diaz

April 12, 2020

I remember you Sam and your wife Erin from when you were in high school ROTC and friends with my son Ricky. You guys were always so competitive. Ill always remember your smile and all the happiness you brought to everyone. I prayed for you every day Sam and will continue to pray for you and your loving wife Erin and all of your family.

Doc

April 12, 2020

Till Valhalla brother.

Jan (Beard)

April 12, 2020

Sam how I wish we could of met. Was thrilled to know Lindsay Beard Blas knew you both from HS. Rest in peace Sam Nichols. You will be dearly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers always.

Tamitha

April 12, 2020

I first met Sam when Erin brought him to our church youth group it was a joy to watch these kids grow together with so much lovefor one another seeing Erin grow most of her life to see the faith love and happiness in her when she was with Sam and in their future to watch and pray for Sam but to see Erin as his caregiver and to see her love for him and his for her under the challenges set before them was a love like no other Sam will be greatly missed he has left all who knew him with hope love and a special understanding of what a true love relationship looks like my condolences to you Erin and to all of the family may you find peace in knowing Sam is honored in both Heaven and Earth prayers and hugs to you and your family Tamitha Czekai and family

Oscar

April 12, 2020

When I received the news about Nichols, my heart sunk. I couldnt help myself and was overwhelmed with emotion. I first met him at Oklahoma during artillery school. He had a cell phone, and would let me borrow it to call my family. We instantly became friends. I introduced him to my family when they came to visit. Every moment afterwards in the fleet when I would see him, he always asked me about my family and how I was doing. He was genuine, he truly cared about you. We didnt spent that much time serving together for once we got to the fleet he went to one unit and I another, but the time that I spent with him during school, he left a lasting impression to me. I would til this day tell everyone about him. When the incident occurred, I was devastated about Zindars and what occurred to Sam. Every morning since then I prayed for him and Erin. I send my condolences to his family, I am a better man for having to met Nichols, Ill forever miss you

Dan Linebarger

April 12, 2020

I remember praying for Sam for a long time, as my son also had TBI. Sorry for your loss. May God comfort you, and give you hope.

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