Gary Travis Nichols, 76, of Rockwall passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017.

Gary Travis Nichols was born on September 4, 1940, in Waxahachie, Texas to Travis Samuel and Ruby Nichols. The family later moved to Dallas, and Gary attended John Neely Bryan Elementary School, Boude Storey Junior High School and South Oak Cliff High School, where Gary excelled in varsity baseball. He had a lifelong love for baseball and other sports, with his favorite team being the New York Yankees. After graduation from high school, Gary distinguished himself in the engineering field and completed both bachelors and master’s degrees in college. Later in life he owned and operated a paint contracting firm. Gary married Elsa Jo Stoker on April 4th, 1957 and later married Sharon July 5th, 1974, to whom he remained steadfastly devoted until his death. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Travis Samuel and Ruby Nichols, his wife Elsa Jo, and his eldest daughter Jennifer Nichols.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sharon of Wylie as of 9/1/2017; daughter Lori and her husband Rick Ham of Heath; daughter Christi Reaves of Sachse; son Jeremy Nichols and wife Lyn of Garland; sister Norma Jill Clifton of Arlington; brother Walter Patrick Nichols of Red Oak; brother Jeffery Brian Nichols of Marshall; grandchildren Aaron Dooley, Katie Ham, Hailey Ham, Lauren Ham, Melissa Ham and Natalie Jones; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the youth/children’s fund of the Lone Star Cowboy Church at 123 Cowboy Way, Nevada, TX 75173.

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