Robert L. Nichols Jr.

NICHOLS, JR., Robert L. Age 50. Went home to be with the Lord on May 28, 2009, during a planned family vacation to the beach where he was surrounded by family and friends. Robert had courageously battled brain cancer for the past two years. Robert was born to Commander Robert Lee Nichols and Eileen Hatch Nichols in Carmel, CA and was one of three children. He was a wonderful and beloved husband and father to wife LeAnn and children Sarah and Sam. He lived his childhood in Memphis, TN, where he met his wife LeAnn, and they later moved to Nashville. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in finance and was a member of ATO fraternity. Robert had been a partner with The Shopping Center Group of Tennessee for the past 13 years, recently serving as Managing Partner. His keen and creative mind, coupled with an excellent work ethic and moral compass, helped Robert become a highly successful and respected businessman. He received honors for his achievements and was a member of ICSC. Prior employers included Specialized Bicycle Company, a mountain biking pioneer and Henry Turley Company. Robert assisted in the revitalization of downtown Memphis. He was a loyal Tennessee Vols fan and enjoyed discussing statistics and attending football games with college friends. He was an outdoor enthusiast with a special love for bicycling, marathon running, hiking and skiing. While Robert loved to challenge himself, the fellowship with friends made these activities such an important part of his life. Robert had a gift for building strong friendships. He was blessed with many wonderful friends, with whom he shared a mutual admiration and keen joy for living. Robert loved and was grateful for his church family at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. His life reflected his deep Christian faith and his devotion and love for family and friends. As he fought serious illness over the past few years, Robert was an inspiration to all he knew. He embodied faithfulness to God, devotion to his family, love for all, perseverance, and optimism, with an unflagging positive attitude and gratitude for the gift of life. He maintained his trademark sense of humor throughout his brave fight. For all these reasons and many more, Robert will be lovingly missed and remembered by his family along with countless friends who felt blessed to know him. He is survived by wife, LeAnn; children, Sarah and Sam; parents, Robert L. and Eileen Nichols; sisters, Sandra and Debby all of Memphis; uncle, Dale Hatch (Janice) of Knoxville, IL; parents-in-law, Lester E. and Abby Morton of Pickwick, TN; brothers-in-law, Larry Morton (Cindy) and Gary Morton (Carole) of Memphis, TN. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to be held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville with visitation in the Cheek House from 12 noon til 1:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church; The Oak Hill School; or Brentwood Academy. Our family would like to thank all of those who have walked so closely with us throughout this journey. "Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant."