Mr. Robert Dean Nichols, age 83, of Griffin, passed away May 4, 2026.

Robert was born in Valdese, NC to the late Luther and Florence (Wright) Nichols.  He grew up in Valdese alongside his parents, six brothers and five sisters. Bob, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Drexel High School in 1960 and went on to attend Western Piedmont Community College where he earned his Associate’s degree.

For over 25 years, he was a dedicated employee in the IT industry working as a computer analyst, a job he truly loved. Bob was a man who liked to keep busy, so after his retirement from the IT industry, he went into business for himself opening up a couple of video rental stores in Salisbury, NC and Mooresville, NC. Several years later he was finally ready to enjoy his retirement and spend more time with his adoring wife, Donna. Bob and Donna decided to move to Georgia in 2003 to enjoy their grandchildren.

Bob and Donna met through family and were quickly smitten with each other. The lovely couple were together for 55 years until Bob’s unexpected passing.

Bob was known as a lover of nature – plants, flowers, and especially any living creature. He loved gardening, raising dogs, cats, chickens, and birds. If there was an animal that needed him, Bob took care of it. Retirement allowed Bob more time for the outdoor activities he enjoyed the most, mowing the lawn, growing various plants and many types of flowers, and just being outside in nature.

In his last few months, Bob was confined to a bed where he enjoyed spending most of his time watching mostly Westerns and animal movies, though he sometimes liked to throw in some sports and reading books to keep things interesting. Bob was never much of a people-person, but he did enjoy spending time with the those that mattered most to him, his close family and his beloved pets.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Luther and Florence (Wright) Nichols; his brothers: Harold Nichols, Lloyd Nichols, Carl Nichols, Allen Nichols, and Luther (Buck) Nichols; his sisters: Lillian Nichols Cooper, Leeuna Nichols Powell, and Marian Nichols Vendemia. Bob is now reunited with those he lost, as well as his fur babies Moe, Sparky, Peaches, Little Girl, Izzy, and Hayward.

He is survived by his wife: Donna Buff Nichols of Griffin; his children: Tina Buff Christian (Ronnie) of McDonough, GA, Lisa King Davis (Whit) of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Diane Nichols and Kim Nichols of Maryland; his grandchildren: William Standard, Jr of Manhattan, NY, Karigan Standard of McDonough, GA, John King of Baltimore, MD, Anik Davis and Caitlin Davis, both of Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Blayne Christian (Taryn) of Jackson, GA: his great-grandchildren: Novalee Kile Christian and Keaton Yokum, his sisters: Jean Nichols of Drexel, NC and Reba Nichols of Valdese, NC; and his brother: Dennis (Gail) Nichols of Drexel, NC, and his sister-in-law Chris Nichols of Lenoir, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bob also leaves behind his furry companion Lucky.

A Memorial Service for Robert will be held in North Carolina at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com. The Nichols family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville.