Thomas L. Nichols

Thomas L. Nichols, 77, of  Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida.
He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 19th, 1944. Tom graduated from Catholic Central High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Western Michigan University. He was married to Julie Nichols (Dekker) for over 34 years.
Tom spent over 30 years working as an engineer for Steelcase. Tom was also a United States Army Veteran, serving honorably throughout his military tenure. He spent two year stationed overseas in Korea. After serving in the Army, he was employed for a few years by Reynolds Metals before finding his dream job with Steelcase. Tom was quietly but infallibly devoted to his faith. Tom loved hunting and fishing, especially with his brothers and close family friends. He could always be found tuned into any Detroit sports event, especially the Detroit Tigers. His greatest accomplishment and source of pride will always be his grandchildren. He was an incredibly devoted Grandfather, taking immeasurable joy in doting on his two grandsons and two granddaughters. It was well known how wrapped around their fingers each of the grandchildren had him. 
He was preceded in death by his father George Nichols and mother Lucille Nichols. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Julie Nichols. Sons, Jeffrey (Roxanne) Wood, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Joel (Ellie) Wood. Grandchildren, Ryan, Andrew, Audrina, and Samantha. Brothers, George “Bud” (Kathy) Nichols, Fred (Marcia) Nichols, Robert (Jodi) Nichols, and sisters, Irene Zabriskie, Patricia (Steve) Phenix and Barbara (Don) Chase. Mother-in-law Shirley Dekker. Brother in-law Tom Dekker (Carol) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Tom had many beloved nieces and nephews and is remembered by countless other close family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to Holy Family Catholic Church, the Catholic Central Foundation, or the American Heart Association of West Michigan. 
Visitation will be on Monday, March 8th 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. 

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