Roy Nichols passed away peacefully at his home August 29, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 29, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to Kenneth and Marie Nichols.
Roy was a true servant of God, a devoted husband, loving father, dear friend, and tireless advocate for the community. He was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 45 years. His work as an expert in defense systems, optical sensors, and information technology is nationally recognized. Roy lived his life with integrity, honor, dignity, humility, and was an inspiration to many, significantly impacting our community, state, and nation.
Upon graduating with a BSc and MSc in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from the Univ. of Michigan, he worked at the Infrared Physics Lab at UofM, then McDonnell Douglas (CA and AL). In 1976, Roy co-founded Nichols Research Corporation (NRC), one of the nation’s prominent research and development organizations, specializing in sensor, missile, and information systems. NRC grew to 32 locations throughout the U.S. with 3,000+ employees. NRC was a company he loved, a company culture he was proud of, and a place where relationships were valued. In 2000 he retired from NRC and continued to provide support and leadership to Adtran, Alabama Policy Institute, Covenant Presbyterian Church, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Hsv. Botanical Garden, Hsv. Museum of Art, Randolph School, Second Mile Development, Rotary Club, United Way, and The University of Alabama, Huntsville. He also served as an advisor to the Army, Air Force, Department of Defense, and U.S. Congress. Yet, he valued his family most.
Roy loved sharing adventures with Sue. They enjoyed backpacking, primitive camping, canoeing rapids, and later global traveling. Their cottage on Torch Lake, MI, became their second home where they always enjoyed spending as much time as possible. He also loved playing competitive sports and building in his workshop.
Roy Nichols is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue Nichols; daughters, Rebecca Boone (Bill), Michele Campbell (Grant), and Lisa Macquisten (Bob); grandchildren, Melissa Tucker (Brandon), Max Sconyers, Kyle Macquisten (Amber), Ella Macquisten, and Cole Campbell; great-grandchildren, Madison and Camden Tucker; sister, Rosalyn Knapp; and brother, Bob Nichols. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bruce Nichols.
The family wishes to thank the Parkinson’s community, especially Rock Steady Boxing and Loud Crowd. They are also grateful for the amazing caregivers from Always There and the loving compassion shown by Caring for Life Hospice.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Kling and Rev. Dr. David Hunsicker officiating. Visitation will follow at Hsv. Botanical Garden–Carriage Room 4:30 to 6 p.m. The family kindly requests that attendees be vaccinated and masked. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at facebook.com/covenantpresbyterian.
Friends wishing to commemorate Roy’s life may make a contribution to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Hsv. Botanical Garden, Hsv. Hospital Hospice Family Care, Parkinson’s Programs of Senior Center, Randolph School, or Second Mile Development.
