Douglas Edgar Nichols

Mr. Douglas Edgar “Doug” Nichols, 90, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and was reunited with his beloved wife, Mrs. Anita Ray Massey Nichols, who preceded him in death on April 11, 2025.

Mr. Nichols was born August 23, 1936, in Surry County, the younger of two children born to the late Romey Lee and Monella Rose Snow Nichols. Doug grew up in the Toast community and graduated from Franklin High School in 1954. Following his graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

On February 2, 1958, Doug married the love of his life, Anita Ray Massey. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage and were a vital part of the Mount Airy community for many years.

Doug devoted 66 years of his life to the printing industry, including 55 years as the owner and operator of Pioneer Printing Company alongside his wife. As a certified offset pressman, he provided printing services to many local businesses and textile manufacturing companies, serving an industry that plays a vital role in the local community and economy. He took great pride in helping people with all their printing needs. Through his work, Doug built lasting relationships throughout the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Doug had a servant’s heart and devoted much of his life to helping others through involvement in numerous civic and service organizations. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Calvary Baptist Church for more than 75 years. He was also a member of Granite Masonic Lodge #322 AF & AM and was one of the founding members of the Surry Shrine Club. He was a member of the High Point Shrine Club, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Royal Order of Jesters, and Mount Airy Elks Lodge.

He is survived by three daughters, Robin Owens, Gina Tucker (Trent), and Vicki Fields (Bodey); five grandchildren, Emily Owens, Jeremy Owens, Madison Fields Hamby (Garrett), Brayton Fields (Katie), and Olivia Tucker Williams (Jared); four great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Pruitt, Peyton Pruitt, Emma Cole Hamby, and Elizabeth Hamby; a sister-in-law, Twainette Boyles; a brother-in-law, Carl Massey (Cheri); and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joseph Gordon “Joey” Owens; a grandson, Joshua Nichols Owens; and his sister, Betty Lee Nichols Shelton.

A service of worship and celebration of Doug’s life will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for the love and compassionate care shown to the Nichols family.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 314 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.