Luther J. Nichols

Luther “Buck” Nichols, 89, of Drexel passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Amorem Hospice following a period of declining health.

Buck was born December 9, 1935 in Graham County to the late Luther L. Nichols and Florence Wright Nichols. He attended Community Baptist Church of Drexel and retired from Western Youth Institution after 20 years of service with the department as a captain. Buck loved working in his yard, listening to gospel music, Nascar, football, animals, and watching FOX News.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd Nichols, Carl Nichols, Allen Nichols, and Harold Nichols; and sisters, Lillian Cooper, Leeuna Powell, and Marian Vendemia.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Rita Canipe Nichols; daughter, Tammi Nichols; granddaughter, Kesha Nichols; and bonus great-grandchildren, Samara Garcia, and Elias Garcia. Also surviving are brothers, Denny Nichols, and Bob Nichols; and sisters, Emma Jean Nichols and Reba Canipe.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Pastor Kelly Walsh and Evangelist Jaime Torres officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park. Military honors will be presented by the United States Army National Guard and the Caldwell County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Baptist Church of Drexel at PO Box 1867 Drexel, NC 28619.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.