Rev. Ernest Yancy Nichols

The Rev. Ernest Yancy Nichols, 79, of 187 Haystack Road, Mount Airy, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2010, at his home. He was born October 9, 1930, in Surry County, to the late Wes and Martha Brintle Nichols. He was a well-known farmer and taught school for 28 years at Copeland School and Beulah School. The Rev. Nichols was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Army. He was also a well-known Baptist minister, having served Gum Orchard Baptist Church, Paul's Creek Baptist Church, and New Life Baptist Church, where he was a member. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Treva N. and Bobby Smith of Lowgap; two sons and a daughter-in-law, James and Jyl J. Nichols of Mount Airy and David Nichols of the home; two granddaughters and spouse, Rachel S. and Juan Escobar of Lowgap and Sarah Smith of Raleigh; two grandsons, Wesley Nichols and extended family, April Morton, Emily and Ben, of Mount Airy, and Justin Nichols and extended family, Rhonda Harrison, Blaine and Dustin, Mount Airy; great-grandchildren, Mason Nichols and Callie Nichols, both of Mount Airy, and Anna Leah Escobar of Lowgap; a sister and brother-in-law, Susan N. and Sam Lee of Woodbine, GA; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Betty G. Nichols of Mount Airy. In addition to his parents, the Rev. Nichols was preceded in death by his wife, Treva Pauline McCraw Nichols; an infant son; and a brother, Gray Nichols. The funeral service will be held Thursday, February 11, 2010, at 2:00 PM at Blues Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Gray Kirkman, the Rev. Alton Bledsoe, and the Rev. Sammy Lawson officiating. His body will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Blues Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Donna Draughn, 3069 Red Brush Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030.