Ben Gentry Nichols

Mr. Ben Gentry Nichols, 82, of Mount Airy, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2024, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.  Mr. Nichols was born July 13, 1941, in Surry County, the youngest of three sons born to the late Roger Nathan and Nell Gentry Nichols.  Ben grew up in the White Plains community and graduated from White Plains High School in 1959.   He was a lifelong tobacco farmer and a member of White Plains Friends Meeting.  Ben was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  His family and friends alike always enjoyed his laughter and sense of humor.  He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Jim Benfield of Mount Airy; two sons and daughters-in-law, Benny and Caroline Nichols of Ararat and Kenny and Tonya Nichols of Rural Hall; six grandchildren and their spouses, Tara Benfield, Candice and Cody Simpson, Benjamin and Nichole Nichols, Will and Katie Nichols, Sierra Nichols, and Brooke Nichols; six great-grandchildren, Amelia Simpson, Rhett Hodges, Rylan Hodges, Hendrix Nichols, Wyatt Simpson, and Adeline Nichols; a brother, J. Glenn Nichols; and a niece and several nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Ann Creed Nichols; a granddaughter, Jenna Ann Benfield; and a brother, Roger Lewis Nichols.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at White Plains Friends Meeting Cemetery, with the Rev. Dusty Ball officiating.   No formal visitation will be held.   The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by Dr. Josue Sanchez and Debbie Moser, RN, at Northern Regional Hospital.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to White Plains Friends Meeting, 849 Old Highway 601, Mount Airy, NC  27030.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.