Jerry Lynn Nichols of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on October 20, 2024. In his final hours, the family observed God’s blessings and mercies as He took home a faithful servant, husband, father, and grandfather.

Born in Compton, CA in 1942, his father was a civilian instructor training pilot for the US Army Air Corps. His mother was the daughter of Revs. James and Nona Hendrixson who established several Nazarene churches in the Conway, Arkansas area and also served as district superintendents.

Jerry had faced a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, but spending quality time and wanting to care for his wife was always a top priority. His wife of 58 years, Joyce Nichols, was his life partner and help to the very end. In 2023, as he required more support, they moved to Crossville to be close to their oldest son, Dr. Jeffrey A. Nichols, and daughter-in-law, Sherry. Jeff and Sherry took care of Mom, while she cared for Dad. Mom and Dad had a special love for the mountains and wanted to retire there to experience the mountain life. Jeff and Sherry have loved giving them special tours of the surrounding mountain towns and built beautiful memories over the past year.

Jerry and Joyce were previously in Birmingham, Alabama for 40 years. The Nichols family moved to Alabama from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jerry embraced his life-long career as a mechanical engineer in several fields of manufacturing. Joyce was a mathematics teacher initially, then later a computer programmer for most of her career. Together, they built a strong community of close friends and church family that made life in Birmingham wonderful for both of them. Leaving cherished family and friends was not an easy decision for the couple. Their son, Jeremy Edward Nichols, and daughter-in-law, Donna, along with their three children, continue to live and work in the Birmingham area.

Jerry and Joyce met at Bethany Nazarene College near Oklahoma City, OK. His degree was in physics, with an engineering emphasis, and hers in mathematics. They married in 1966 after they graduated. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and served at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico as a physicist and engineer designing, evaluating, and testing missiles. Throughout their life together, they remained members of Nazarene churches, particularly Center Point Church of the Nazarene in Birmingham. Jerry was a dedicated servant and worked as the hands and feet of Christ, doing whatever needed to be done. By his words and examples, he encouraged his sons, through all of life’s ups and downs, to be Christ-followers who marry and care for their families just as Christ loves and honors His church. This year Jeff and Sherry celebrated 32 years of marriage. Jeremy and Donna will celebrate 30 years.

He had seven grandchildren with two married: Jared Nichols is married (2023) to Reagan Nichols and they reside near Odenville, Alabama; Rebecca Starbuck is married (2023) to Jacob Starbuck, and they currently reside in Lynchburg, VA; Dianna Nichols currently resides in Trussville, AL; Philip Nichols currently resides in Knoxville, TN; Karla Nichols currently resides in Guntersville, AL; Jacob Nichols currently resides in Trussville, AL; Rachel Nichols currently resides in Crossville, TN; Rachel recently moved from Knoxville to Crossville, so she could spend time with and assist her grandparents.

Jerry spent a lifetime of learning and encouraged his children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits. His two sons, Jeff and Jeremy, are both graduates of the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Jeff with a degree in mathematics (1990), and Jeremy with a degree in mechanical engineering (1996). Two of Jeremy’s children are also UAB graduates: Dianna in nursing (2019) and Jared in electrical engineering (2019). Jacob is completing an associate of science in electrical engineering from Jefferson State. Reagan is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in nursing (2020). Jeff’s Ph.D. (2008) is in mathematics from the University of Tennessee. Rebecca has two degrees, a BA in Art and a BS in Business Administration (2017) from Carson-Newman University. Jake Starbuck has a BA in political science and history (2019) from Carson-Newman and an MA in history (2019) from Liberty University. Philip is a sergeant and communications specialist with the Tennessee Army National Guard. Karla has an elementary education degree and ESL certification (2022) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Rachel recently completed two applied associate degrees in culinary arts and baking at Pellissippi State in the Knoxville area.

As a veteran, Jerry’s remains will be interred at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. Remembrances and tributes can be recorded at https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/JERRYLYNNNICHOLS/a7f31f.

The family encourages memorial gifts to be made to organizations researching prevention and cures for Parkinson’s disease. If you would like more information on donating, please reach out to a family member or donate to the organizations below.

Support the Parkinson’s Foundation – Parkinson’s Foundation

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research | Parkinson’s Disease