Everett J. Nichols of Advance died, surrounded by his loving family, on Oct. 12, 2018 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice, Trellis Supportive Care Facility.

He was born on Dec. 23, 1945 to Everett Haze Nichols and Virginia Rose Dixon Nichols. He was preceded in death by: his parents; an infant daughter Laura Suzanne (Little Suzie); a brother, Robert L. Nichols; and 2 nephews, Robert L. Nichols Jr. and Steven A. Nichols, all of Galax, Va.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42 during the Vietnam Era from 1965-1969. He was a loyal and dedicated lifetime member of VFW Post 8719 in Advance. He had also been a member of the VFW Memorial Honor Guard of Clemmons. He retired from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. after 33 years, having worked at the Bailey and Tobaccoville power plants.

Survivors: his wife of 36 years, Mary Poe Nichols; 3 daughters, Amanda M. Nichols of Gainesville, Fla.; Melissa D. Nichols-Adkins (Roger) of Winston-Salem; and Rhonda L. Fortner of Mocksville; a son, Ron Fortner (Kathy Daywalt) of Advance; 3 grandchildren, Dakota, Dalton, and Delaney Warner; an ex-son-in law, Brian Warner of Advance; a brother, Thomas A. Nichols (Marie), 3 sisters-in-law, Shirley Nichols, Pauline Leonard, and Louise Blevins, all of Galax; a niece, Sheri Hale (Michael) of Hickory; 2 nephews, Ed NIchols (Carol) of Chesterfield, Va., and TJ Nichols (Melody) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; several great- and great-great nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

His service will be held at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home Chapel in Galax on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. Family will receive friends before the service from 2-3 p.m. Burial will follow at Edmonds Cemetery in Ennice with full military rights performed by the Independence VFW Post 7726 Memorial Honor Guard. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Advance

Memorials: Joe H. King Memorial Scholarship Fund at VFW Post 8719 Beatriz A. O’Brien at 151 Keswick Drive in Advance; VFW 7726 Memorial Honor Guard at PO Box 608 Independence, VA 24348; or Kate B. Reynolds, Trellis Supportive Care at 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, 27103.