Michael Wayne Nichols, age 73, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was born April 9, 1952, to George Nichols and Helen Louise Nichols Thornhill.

Michael was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Deborah G Nichols; his parents and stepfather, Estil Thornhill; his brother, Richard Nichols; his sister-in-law, Gerrie Nichols; three brothers-in-law, Melvin Jackson, Gary Alphin, and Thomas Gerrard; and his sister-in-law, Beth Anne Wallis

Those left to cherish precious memories are his three daughters Noelle Hinchee, Christina Maggard (Darel), and Karen Nichols; three grandsons, Joshua Hinchee(Krystal), Zachary Hinchee (Arielle), Noah Hinchee(Jordyn); granddaughter, Chelsey Mendoza (Emilio); nine great grandchildren, Jacob, Caleb, Harper, Emma, Carson, Jerry, Jebediah, Aliyana, and Christian; Sisters, Dana Nichols, Claudette "Leigh" Glick (Morton) and Patricia Wells (Kenny)Step mother-in-law, Reba Mullins, step father-in-law Ralph Tenney; sister-in-law Rebecca Gerrard(Steve); four brothers-in-law Randy Mullins (Linda), Terry Mullins (Janice), Matt Mullins (Susie) and Paul Robert Wallis (Marissa); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend Thomas Davis.

Michael was a military veteran serving in multiple branches, accumulating 25+ years of service. 22 of those years were spent in the United States Air Force. He officially retired in 1984 and moved with his family to Roanoke in 1984. He was also a licensed electrician and a small business owner working alongside his wife. They love traveling the country, RVing from coast to coast, and they had many adventures together. He loved spending time having daddy-daughter dates, playing golf, bowling, shopping, going to war reenactments, sightseeing, local sporting events, like football or hockey games, playing soccer in the yard, traveling adventures, riding around on his UTV, and baking with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed tinkering with old clocks and teaching us all something about everything. He was a man of many talents, whether it was playing ice hockey, a black belt in Aikido, playing "Boil Them Cabbage Down" on the banjo, gardening, or working on just about anything. He was the head of our family and will be missed dearly.

A memorial service to honor Michael's life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Lamplight Baptist Church beginning at 11 a.m.