Robert Nichols, 78 of Indian Trail, NC, peacefully transitioned on Friday, June 3, 2022, at his home while in the care of his devoted wife who lovingly cared for him for many years.  On Wednesday, September 29, 1943, Roxebel, North Carolina, God blessed Charles and Ida (Hardy) Nichols with the birth of their youngest son, Robert.  He grew up surrounded by a close-knit family.  After he graduated from John B. Bonds High School, Robert joined his brother, McKinley and his wife in Bronx, New York.  He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail handler until he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served one tour of duty in VietNam.

When Robert returned from the military, he went to work at the New York City Transit Authority Subway System.  In 1979, Robert met Ellen in Paterson, NJ.  They were best friends for fifteen years before they married in May 24, 1994.  In 1998, after twenty-seven years of employment as a subway car inspector, Robert enthusiastically retired.

The youth in the community enjoyed being in Robert's company.  They listened attentively as he talked about his life experiences.  He served as that "father" figure for many of the young people when their fathers were absent.  Robert was affectionately known as "Unc" (short for Uncle) to them.  Whenever Robert heard the tunes of the ice cream truck, he would have the children line up and he would pay for their delicious cool treats.  It  was not unusual for Robert to take his children, nieces, nephews, and their friends into New York City where he would buy them the infamous hot dogs from the street vendors-a tradition they still lovingly recall today, as adults.

Robert savored spending time with his brothers-in-law, playing cards and watching sports.  His all-time favorite food was chicken...chicken prepared any way.  He enjoyed watching Westerns and nature documentaries on television.  He took pleasure watching several religious cable programs, as well.  The first thing most people admired about Robert was his eye for fashion.  He always wore his matching iconic Kangol caps that added the finishing touch to his dapper wardrobe.  Robert looked as if he stepped out of a GQ magazine.

He was preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers, Sadie Hardy, Mary Lee Richardson, Thelma Lee and Suflonia Mack, McKenley Nichols, Clarence Nichols, Wendell Nichols, Ernest Nichols and John Thomas Nichols.

He leaves his nurturing and dedicated wife, Ellen Stuart Nichols and their blended family of six children; Lakeisha Hester (James) of Cibilo, Texas; Pamela Johnson of Indian Trail, NC; Teresa Johnson of Indian Trail, NC; Tamara Robinson of Clifton, NJ; Bobby Nichols (Sharaih) of Fayetteville, NC, and James Robinson of Paterson, NJ.  A special niece, Karen "Cookie" Mack-Burton, a special granddaughter, Xaviera Johnson and a special son, Marcos Vaz.

Three sisters, Audrey Daye of Patterson, NJ; Virginia Gray of Lodi, NJ, and Florence Cherry of Portsmouth, VA.

Seventeen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren that he adored.  Robert will also be sadly missed by a host of nieces and nephews who cherished him dearly, along with numerous friends and neighbors.

I have have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV