Earl Nichols

Austin Earl Nichols, 95, of Springfield, passed from this life on Sunday April 16, 2023, at his home. A private family graveside service will be held in Springfield Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Nichols was born September 9, 1927, in Springfield, to the late Herbert and Lula Ellis Nichols. He was employed as a lab technician at Pet Milk in Springfield for many years, and then retired from sales at the Robertson County Co-Op. Mr. Nichols was a member of Central Christian Church in Springfield, but also attended Springfield Baptist Church with his wife. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his vegetables with friends and neighbors. Mr. Nichols was noted for his good turnip greens. He enjoyed traveling, ball room dancing, and visiting with his daughters in Knoxville and Charleston, S.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Shirley Weaver Nichols, brothers: Russell, Dorris, and Ellis Nichols, and by his sisters: Larena Nichols Fuqua and Virginia Nichols White. Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 36 years: Elizabeth Brantley Walton Nichols of Springfield, by his daughters and sons-in-law: Debby and Ed New of Charleston, SC, Melissa and Michael Milton of Knoxville, by his grandchildren: Nichols (Megan) Bender, Manning (John) Borden, McCabe Milton, Mary Claire Milton (Brian) Smith, and by his great grandchildren: Caleb Christopher Bender, Margaret Frances Borden, and John McArthur Borden. 

Mr. Nichols' family wishes to thank his caregivers, Rosemary Graves, Fay Bagwell, and Sandy Ellis,  for the wonderful care each of them provided to him. 

Earl’s love of his vegetable garden and sharing with others brought him much joy. The family finds it fitting to ask that memorials be made to The Fountain c/o Southside Drug Company (Drew Sloan & Ian Bradley). These memorials will help them continue to work with local farmers and growers to support the community. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.

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