Gary Ross Nickols

Gary Ross Nickols was born in La Harpe, Illinois to Orve R. Nickols and Bonnie L. Bolton. He was raised in Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, Tx and later in life lived many years in Parker County, Tx.

In 1971, Gary joined the US Army at Fort Polk, LA during the Vietnam Era. He took great pride in being in service on behalf of our country and pride in the things he was learning. Gary was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Bliss, Tx, Vietnam, and Korea. He held several positions such as Rough Terrain Loader Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Hercules Missile Crewman, Army Air Defense, Military Correspondence, Military Policeman, and others. Gary received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Commendation, and Parachutists Badge.

Gary had picked up the guitar at age 11 and therefore had a great love for music. He had played with various bands and had a few of his own. Needless to say, playing the guitar was his favorite pass time.

Gary had grown up learning to work on cars with his older brothers and friends. Before long he became a mechanic capable of repairing heavy equipment, 18 wheelers, and anything else he set out to fix.

Gary Nickols was known for loving life, women, and his dog Peterbilt. But he was most known for being a simple, kind, and gentlehearted soul with a great number of friends. He was in fact a friend to all that welcomed his friendship.

Gary was preceded in death by his birth father, Orve Nickols; mother, Bonnie Bolton Poe; step-dad, Clyde E. Poe; brothers, Larry Nickols, Michael E. Poe, Lloyd O. Nickols; sisters, Debra Nickols Smith and O’Lisa Keith; and by his son, Jonathan E. Nickols.

He is survived by his sister, Victoria Bolton-Barton and husband William; many nieces and nephews; and the love of his life, Precilla (Pearl) Heath.

He shall forever be missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Truth Tabernacle Pentecost Church 1304 NE 23^rd St, Mineral Wells, Tx 76067. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter.