Jesse Levi "Buddy" Nichols, Jr.

Buddy Nichols, age 93, beloved husband of Nelda Lyles Nichols, and a resident of Bear Creek Pike in Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024, at his residence.

A native of Maury County, Tennessee, Buddy was born on October 25, 1930, and was the son of the late Jesse Levi Nichols, Sr. and the late Lillian Lindsey Nichols. He attended Maury County Schools and was a graduate of Columbia Central High School. He married Nelda Lyles on February 9, 1952, and worked as a diesel mechanic until the age of 80. In his younger years, he found joy in hunting and fishing. Buddy was of the Church of Christ faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lindy (David) Gagnon of Murfreesboro, TN, Tommy (Christy) Lawwell of Jacksonville, FL, Lucy (Jeff) Lomax of Columbia, TN, Susan (Bill) Newson of Newbern, TN, Pam (Steve) Mayo of West Chester, OH, Wayne (Jennifer) Lyles, Jr. of Columbia, TN, Ben Lyles of Nashville, TN, Danny (Merrill) Lemon of Dyersburg, TN, and friends, Sheila Chappell Thompson and Kara Williams.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Wayne Nichols, sisters, Dorothy Denton, Jane Lawwell, and brothers in law, Ed Denton and Ed Lawwell.

The funeral service for Buddy will be private. He will be laid to rest in Maury Memorial Gardens. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.