Obituary of Eric Scott Nichols

Eric Scott Nichols, 43 of Bedford, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his residence.  Eric was born on July 2, 1980 in Lynchburg.  He was a 1998 graduate of Staunton River High School and attended Ferrum College where he studied finance and marketing.  Eric held various positions in the car industry including salesman and finance manager.  He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating on Smith Mountain Lake.  He was also a sports enthusiast and excelled in baseball and basketball.  Eric had the personality and charisma to make friends no matter the situation.  

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Troy Lee Nichols; his maternal grandfather, Thurston Nance Roberts; his step-grandfather, Sam Howell; his aunt, Rhonda Cheek; and his uncle, Jimmy Taylor.

Eric is survived by his parents, Tony Lee Nichols and Gypsy Roberts Nichols; his brother, Troy Nance Nichols (Amanda) and their two children; his paternal grandmother, Mary Nichols Howell; his maternal grandmother, Nancy Roberts Compton (James); his uncles, Bobby Roberts (Jan), Jeff Cheek; his aunts, Susan Taylor, Donna Sexton (Tim) as well as numerous cousins and extended family and friends.  

A private family service will be held at Mentow Baptist Church with a private interment at Bethesda Methodist Church Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (https://bgca.org/) or Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/).

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.updikefuneralhome.com     Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.