Philip Charles Nichols

Philip Charles Nichols, 76 of Abilene died surrounded in loving light at Hendricks Hospice Care on the first full day of Spring last Wednesday, March 21. He follows his parents George Hart "Pope" Nichols Sr. and Myrtle "Mickey" Nichols along with his younger brother David into the afterlife.

Mr. Nichols was born in Kansas City, MO June 16, 1941 and moved to Abilene with his family as a child. In 1959 he graduated from Abilene High School before serving in the Navy from 1961-1965 flying as a crew chief on P2 Neptune and then being in the first squadron to get the P3A Orion. He completed his BA at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro,TN. Phil worked in a variety of locales before happily returning to Abilene. He owned and operated Nichols Battery Company on Chestnut founded in 1946 by his father George H. Nichols Sr. until his retirement. He truly loved Abilene and serving the community through his business.

Mr. Nichols enjoyed tooling around Abilene rather quickly in his 1958 Biscayne in addition to a semi-parade of Chevrolets. He especially appreciated a nicely tuned-out Corvette. A good dancer, he was considered by many in his VFW circle to be quite a smooth two-stepper.

During his fight with a cancer that he overcame, Phil met his lovely friend Ms. Rosa Castaneda. Through her friendship he joined and maintained a spiritual relationship with the fellowship at Wylie Methodist Church. He valued counsel with Pastor Jeff Hatcher. For those profound relationships, Phil's family is grateful.

He is survived on this planet by his daughter Ms. Christine Nichols of Venice Beach, California. His older brother George Hart Nichols Jr. with Tootsie in Abilene and younger sister Carol Sue Watson of Weatherford remain in Texas. He left behind a slew of nieces and nephews who thought kindly of him as well.

A memorial service for Mr. Nichols will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road at 10:00am, on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 with a graveside service to follow at 1:00pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. His family asks, in lieu of flowers, please make a small donation to the amazingly compassionate and professional Hendrick Hospice Care.