Wayne Nichols

WAYNE NICHOLS

Byron Wayne Nichols, of Columbus, MS, passed away on March 10, 2017, at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with Esophageal cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 8th, 1960, in Columbus, MS. After graduation from Caldwell High School in 1978, he followed in his father’s footsteps in a career as a mechanic, which he continued until his diagnosis in 2014.

On April 7th, 1979, he married the love of his life, Renee Nichols, and together they had a son, Christopher Nichols. They were also privileged to work side-by-side at Johnny Bishop RV for the last 20+ years. While family was always important to Wayne, his relationship with Jesus Christ is what he held most important. He faithfully served as a Deacon at Woodland Baptist Church, and taught Sunday school for almost 18 years. He also took the opportunity to witness to others and share the love of Christ with those he met, especially those on a similar cancer journey there at MD Anderson Hospital. In addition, he served the Columbus community as a member of the Columbus School Board from June 1998 – December 2004.

A deeply devoted husband and father, Wayne’s favorite title he held was “Pops” to his precious granddaughters, Riley (8), and Katherine (6). Wayne was an avid fisherman, and throughout the years, Pops was able to share his love of fishing and boating with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife Renee; his son, Christopher and his wife Jessica (Collierville, TN); parents, Kenneth and Mary Nichols; sisters Mary Price and Susan Nichols Wilder; father-in-law Johnny Bishop and his wife Adrine Younger Bishop; sister-in-law Karan Bishop; best friends and fishing partners John and Betty McElrath; his nieces and many relatives and friends.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, March 12, at Woodland Baptist Church; burial followed at Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Beaverton, AL. Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation can be made to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, PO Box 55071 #15530, Boston, MA 02205-5071 or online at www.ecaware.org .

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