Grady Vestal Nichols

Mr. Grady Vestal Nichols, 78, of 298 Old Cadle Ford Road, Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 6, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Nichols was born March 19, 1936, in Surry County, one of four children born to the late Fox Nichols and Myrtle Mae Eads Nichols Waugh. Grady married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Venable, in 1955. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Grady was a quiet giver with a big heart and many talents, always willing to lend a helping hand. Grady was a devout Christian and always put his faith in God, followed by his family and friends. Grady faithfully served the Lord as a deacon of Dover Baptist Church from 1974 until 2008, a Sunday school teacher, treasurer, choir member, and a member of the Pulpit Committee. Mr. Nichols held various positions with Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Co-Operative, including treasurer, president of the Board of Directors, and a board member for many years. He was a founding member of the White Plains Ruritan Club. Grady was a successful tobacco and poultry farmer and an avid gardener, who will be remembered throughout the community for sharing his many homegrown fruits and vegetables with his family, friends, and neighbors. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Venable Nichols of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Chris Brindle of Mount Airy; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Dan Nichols and life companion, Dr. Jorge Centurion, of Coral Gables, FL, and George "Tony" and Serena Nichols of Mount Airy; two grandsons, Landon Nichols and Luke Nichols, both of Mount Airy; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby and Frances Nichols and Hal and Yvonne Nichols, all of Mount Airy. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his stepfather, George Waugh, Sr.; and a brother, John Wayne Nichols. The funeral service will be held Friday, May 9, 2014, at 11:00 AM at Dover Baptist Church, with Jeff Nichols and the Rev. Van R. Brindle officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where his body will remain until carried to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the funeral service. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Shelley, Linda, and Desirae; the staff at Home Instead Senior Care; and the staff at Liberty Homecare. Also, the family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Frankie Venable, Faye Cain, and special friends Murel and Rebecca Atkins. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or Dover Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 178 Dover Church Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030.