Dr John D. Nichols

Reverend Doctor John D. Nichols, age 80, flashed that famous smile and closed those twinkling eyes for the final time on this earth on March 13, while at home with his family in Knoxville, Tennessee. John was a beloved man, especially by our Heavenly Father in whom he took comfort during his final few months.

John led a wonderful and full life, ever pursuing his visions, dreams, and love for life. He was a man of integrity and an advocate for those in need. Using his spiritual gifts of inspiration and encouragement, he was committed to his family, friends, church and most importantly, his God.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Norene Nichols of Knoxville; daughters Jeanne Nichols Gooch of Denver and Judi Moore of Knoxville; sons-in-law Pat Gooch of Denver and Dan Moore of Knoxville; grandchildren Jake and Kotomi Yoshida of Denver; Samantha and Will BoBo of Denver, Tiffani and Adam Swalley of Chicago, John D. Moore of Cleveland, Tenn., Kellyn Gooch of Denver, Connor Gooch of Denver; and great grandchildren Kayuki Yoshida, and Cyrus, Eli, and Ivan BoBo, all of Denver.

He is survived by his brother Dale Nichols and wife, Mary, of Whittier, Calif., brother Pete Nichols of Olympia, Wash., and sister Lorae Lucas of Everett, Wash., along with a multitude of loving nieces and nephews.

Until recent months, he ministered on behalf of the disenfranchised and needy around the world as director for the Lazarus Foundation in Bristol, Tenn., and served as chaplain for Moore Freight Service in Mascot, Tenn.

Although born in California, much of his life and ministry were spent in Cleveland, Tennessee. During his 58-year tenure with the Church of God he served in a variety of roles, including pastor, state overseer, international evangelism director, executive committee and council member, and director of benevolence. He served on various boards and committees within the church organization, including liaison to LeeUniversity. Through his efforts, benevolence ministries impacted thousands around the world and ignited a spark of benevolence within the Church of God that has spread throughout hundreds of congregations.

A memorial celebration of his life with the church will be held at the Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, on Monday, March16 at 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 17 from 3:30.to 6:30 p.m. the family will receive friends at the Parkwest Church of God, located at 7635 Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the funeral following at 7:00 p.m.

Interment for immediate family and close friends will be at the KnoxvilleNationalCemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The family requests that no flowers be sent and memorial donations be made to the John D. and Norene Nichols Widows and Children's Endowment, 940 Westcourt Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919. (Credit card donations can be made to this endowment by calling or emailing Hildred Newberry; Phone - 865.453.4644; E-Mail - [email protected])

Condolences may also be sent through www.grissomfh.net Funeral arrangements are being handled by Grissom Funeral Home, Cleveland, TN.