Obituary of Robert Bacon Nichols Jr.

Robert B Nichols, Jr went to heaven on December 29, 2022 to go hunting with his son, Sammy.  Robert (Bobby) was 95 years old.  He was born at home in Efland, North Carolina to Robert Nichols, Sr and Carrie Miller Nichols.  Bobby is survived by his bride of 70 years, Margaret; his sister, Berkie Poole;  his sister- and brother-in-law Judy and Milton Patterson; his daughter, Diane Russell (Hardy), and five grandchildren, Jennifer Nichols (James Sloop) , Jessica Nichols and Jocelyn Nichols (Chris Dubeau) , Seth Russell, and Lucy Russell.  His son, Samuel Nichols; and sister, Jesse Gray Ray pre deceased him.

Bobby grew up in Efland, NC.  He graduated from NC State in Animal Industry.  He served in the US Navy on a mine sweeper in 1946 – 1947 in the Pacific.   He was a dairy farmer for over 40 years.

Bobby loved to tell a good joke and could be quite the prankster.  He was a kind and generous man and never met a stranger. 

Bobby was an active member of the Schley Grange and the Cedar Grove Ruritan Club for many years. He and Margaret were the North Carolina Grange Young Couple of the Year in 1962.

Bobby served on the Board of Directors for Long Meadow Farms, Dairymen Inc., and Hillsborough Savings and Loan for many years as well.  He also served on the North Carolina State Board of Health and was on the committee to evaluate the need for a Veterinary School at NC State.  

Bobby was a very forward thinker.  In the mid 1960’s, he was the instigator to establish Lake Orange to serve Hillsborough’s future water needs.  He was instrumental in convincing 4 land owners to donate land to dam the Eno River for that cause.  Lake Orange was established in 1966.

Most importantly, Bobby was a great husband, brother, friend, and wonderful father and grandfather.  We will miss him.

The funeral will be held at Cedar Grove Methodist Church at 2 pm on Monday, January 2, 2023, with visitation one hour before the service.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cedar Grove Methodist Church, 5218 Efland-Cedar Grove Road, Cedar Grove, NC 27231.