Walter Thomas Nichols

Walter Thomas “Tommy” Nichols, Jr. 83, of Altavista passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at his residence. Born in Lynchburg, April 9, 1934, he was the son of the late Walter Thomas Nichols and Maggie Gertrude ‘Gertie” Smith Nichols. Tommy proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps and was the retired owner and operator of Imported Auto Parts. He was a life member of the Campbell County Rescue Squad and served his community for over 53 years. He was also an avid collector and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty B. Nichols; one daughter, Beverly Nichols Vaughan and her husband Phillip of Altavista; two sons Gary Wayne Nichols of Altavista and Steven Thomas Nichols of Lynchburg; six grandchildren, Kevin B. Dalton, Melissa Ann Slayton and husband Ryan, Kelly Rae Ashley and husband John, Katheryn Elizabeth “Katie” Nichols, Darryl Nichols and Shana Nichols Pierce and husband Shawn. He is also survived by a number of great grandchildren and many dear friends. A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Mark Hine officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park with military honors by the American Legion Post 16. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care provided by the nurses and staff of Centra Hospice and the Oncology department at Lynchburg General Hospital. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Campbell County Rescue Squad or the Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center.