Barry Wayne Nichols, lifetime resident of Niles, Michigan died early Monday morning at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda (Ort) Nichols and seven children, Ryan (Sarah Lamere) Nichols, Aaron (Jessica) Nichols, Tara (Josh) Jacobs, Crystal (Jimmy) Humphrey, Chris Nichols, Amanda Nichols and Rebecca (Trapper) Dillon 33 grandchildren, Wyatt Nichols, Josiah (Linda) Nichols, Madison (Adison) Baxter, Amber ( Sam ) Kepler, David Nichols, Enoch Nichols, Miriam Nichols, Barry Nichols, Gavin Nichols, Eloise Nichols, Moses Nichols, Genevieve Nichols, Agnes Nichols, Eunice Nichols, Verda Nichols, Gabriel Jacobs, Titus Jacobs, Zachariah Jacobs, Tobias Jacobs, Corban Jacobs, Skylah Humphrey, Elijah Humphrey, Havannah Humphrey, Anaiah Humphrey, Natalee Nichols, Bailee Nichols Tristian Nichols, Matthew Dillon, Anna Dillon 8 siblings, Tim (Corrine) Craig, Jeff Nichols, Michelle (Todd) Brocious, Tony (Kristin) Nichols, Michael Nichols, Denise Houck, Liz Nichols, and Desirée (David) Szymczak. And many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Wayne Nichols and mother Shirley Fideli sister Carrie Nichols and granddaughter, Emma Dillon.
Barry was born in Niles, MI on October 26, 1961 to the late Wayne and Shirley Nichols. He met Rhonda Ort in grade school, later marrying on July 15, 1978 at First Baptist Church in Niles. They eventually would have 7 children, not counting the numerous foster children they raised at different times. Barry worked hard employing his entrepreneurial spirit providing for his large family in various ways. Though he provided well for his wife and family, it was never an end, but a means to enjoy life together. He and his wife went to First Church of God in Niles, MI for many years, where their spiritual foundation was built. Presently, over the last fifteen years, they have grown spiritually at Open Door Christian Fellowship in Elkhart, IN.
Once his family grew to include grandchildren, his name forever changed to the world-famous Papa. His grandchildren fondly remember him as a true gentleman, humble, a great storyteller, humorous, completely involved, a spiritual adviser/father, Christ-like, selfless and generous, a teacher, a listener, and most of all a conduit of God’s love to them. His example inspires them to love others. And they would want him to know, that they intend to follow his path so that someday they will worship God together with him.
Early on in their marriage Barry and Rhonda met Jesus Christ, and the trajectory of their life was decided. From that point on the power of the gospel was on full display. The effect of Barry Nichols on this earth was meteoric. Once his heart was open to God to use him, he influenced everyone around him. No one who met him left unchanged. Charismatic, wise, graceful, kind, empathetic, extremely hospitable, it was as though God dumped all his gifts on one man. His heart and home were open to all, there was no one too small. Everyone was family, or at least he made them feel that way. He was talented enough to compete with the elite, yet humble enough to stoop down to help the needy.
For those he knew best he was a counsellor, a jack-of-all-trades, a financial adviser, whatever he needed to be for their benefit. Most importantly, he was everyone’s pastor. God chose him to love, nurture, and rescue his sheep. God’s Spirit worked so naturally through his beautiful, outgoing personality, drawing people to him. His religion was the pure kind, not stale or empty, but the genuine sort, where God touches man through a man. (Ja 1:27) He offered his body as a “living sacrifice” to his Lord, and the beneficiaries are those still here.
With natural charisma and talent rarely found, he laid it all down and “took up his cross” to follow Jesus. His life verse defined his mindset well, “[S]eek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mt. 6:33) He sought God first, and found Him, we were rewarded, and now it is his turn. He has earned his sought-after reward, the Master’s voice saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Mt. 25:21).
Services to celebrate his life will be held at Hope Community Church at 2390 Lake Street, Niles, MI. The viewing will be held on Monday, May 5 from 5 to 8 pm, and the funeral will be from 11am on Tuesday May 6, with a graveside service following at Silverbrook Cemetery. Arrangements have been made by Hoven Funeral Home. And donations can be made to Sparrow House in Niles, MI.
Posted On: Friday, May 2, 2025 4:20 PM
