Arthur Thomas McNichol

1945 - 2025

Arthur Thomas Mc Nichol
Arthur Thomas Mc Nichol, 80, a man filled with love, laughter, and joy, has passed on. He was known for his ever-present grin and his unwavering love for his family and friends. Family, Faith, Friends, and Country were his priorities.
Arthur Thomas McNichol was born on Valentine's Day, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest child of Arthur Thomas McNichol and Helen Gilligan McNichol. Shortly after high school, Art became a proud member of the US Air Force. During his tour in Viet Nam, he was a member of the 14th Commando Special Operations Unit serving with the ROK (Republic of Korea) Tiger Division. His experiences there had a profound effect on the rest of his life. Words like "Duty, Honor, Country" became real to him. He understood the gift and fragility of life and became determined to use every minute he had to the utmost. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Art used his GI Bill to complete a dream of receiving his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. He received both from Southwest Texas State University. This marked the beginning of his teaching career. "Mr. Mac," as he wished to be called, taught Industrial Arts, Yearbook and Newspaper at Smithson Valley High School. Teaching at Smithson Valley brought another opportunity, that of filming high school football games for the coaches which he continued to do for years. He later was hired at Clark High School in NISD to introduce Photography as an elective class. This was another dream come true for him. He could spend his day sharing his love for photography with his students. Additionally, "Mr. Mac" began to offer the Ultimate Photography Field Trip to his students: Europe during spring break.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Helen, and his brother, James.
He was the loving husband of 54 years to Drinda; Brother of Ellen McNichol and Kathleen Lisa McNichol Lonergan (Brian); uncle to 8 nieces and nephews: Benjamin (Lauren), Kristen (Erik), Sean, Nathan, Dawn (John), Amy, Shannon (Sean), and Ryan (Tash); Sister-in-law Judy (Vince) Parsick and Brother-in-law Larry (Melanee) Kindle; Cousin to Maureen (Ken) Dixon and Kathy (John) Winti. He is also survived by his beloved sheltie, Finnegan, his constant companion.
Art's retirement was filled with activity and enjoyment. There were many days of golf, travel, construction projects around the house, game nights with friends, antique collecting, and photography, especially nature. Art was usually found with a golf club, a hammer, a different unique car in the driveway, or a camera in his hand and a smile on his face. More recently weekly chess games against his sister, Ellen, and nephew, Nate, have become standard family competitions.
Interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, March 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM with Military Honors. A Memorial Service will be held following at Northwest Hills Global Methodist Church, 7575 Tezel Road, San Antonio, Texas at 10:30 AM, with a Fellowship Gathering at the church to follow. Services will be officiated by Pastor Robert Barnes.
Although Art loved flowers, please make any donation to SoldiersAngels.org instead. This is an organization that Art became very fond of while being treated at Audie Murphy VA Hospital. "May no soldier go unloved. May no soldier walk alone. May no soldier be forgotten. Until they all come home."
Art's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and staff at Audie Murphy VA Hospital who cared for Art these past years with dignity and compassion, as well as the Heart of Texas Hospice staff. We cherish the love and continuous support we have received from our Northwest Hills GMC family. We deeply appreciate the love and support from our friends who shared in Art's life.