Alan Ray Nichols

Alan Ray Nichols was born August 1, 1952 to Patsy Patten Nichols and Carl Ray Nichols in Clarksville, Arkansas. He passed from this world to be with his Heavenly Father on July 4, 2023.

At age of 1, his family moved from Clarksville to Tulsa then Bixby where Alan attended Bixby schools.

In 1970, Alan married Barbara Malan. Their union blessed them with two daughters, Carla Ann and Jennifer Michelle.

In 1978 Alan met and married Jan Unger Nichols. He helped raise her two children Timothy Unger and Jessica Unger. The blending of their two families brought him his great joy and love.

For 30 years Alan managed grocery stores in the Tulsa and Tahlequah Areas. In 1982 the family moved to Tahlequah where Alan managed grocery stores for Maurice Box. Then in 1999 Alan and Jan opened and operated Keys Lawn & Garden until 2015 when they sold the shop and retired. He came to know and truly loved so many of his customers. He was an honest and hard working man and treated everyone fairly.

He was active in the NRA which helped support his favorite hobby of deer hunting. His hunting trips were greatly anticipated and enjoyed with his brothers, Gary, Jeff and nephews Brad and Chad.

He was always fascinated with the life of a mountain man. His home showed his passion for this long ago way of life as he built a log cabin outside Tahlequah to raise the children in.

Foremost in Alan's life was his love for Jesus Christ, his Savior. He wanted everyone to know how he had blessed Alan's life in many, many ways. He was proud to be music leader at Carter Baptist Church. He loved his church family and enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping with all of them. Alan especially looked forward to the Tuesday night men's dinners. Listening to the church children sing in their programs always brought a smile to his face.

He was preceded in death by his parents Patsy Ann and Carl Ray Nichols.

He lives on in the memories of his brother Gary Alvin Nichols of Broken Arrow; Gary's son and his wife, Brad & Krista Nichols and their 2 sons; Gary's son and his wife, Chad & Stacie Nichols and their children of Ramona. His brother Jeff Nichols of Tulsa and his children Jake Nichols of Hanford, California and his 3 daughters; Erika Brawdy and her husband Allen and their 2 children.

He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jan, who adored and loved him always. Daughter Carla Weigle and husband, John. Children Carson, Caeden, Kennedy Lund and Brooklynn Weigle of Bixby. Daughter Jennifer Hill and husband Ronnie. Children Haylie and Hudson Hill of Bixby. Son Timothy Unger and his wife Brandy of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Daughter Jessica Swanson and husband Jeff. Children Quenby Jane and Waite Swanson of Nichols Hills.

He leaves behind Jan's family in St. Louis who loved and respected him. He considered the nephews Ed Liliensiek and Mark Harms as his brothers-in-Christ.
Those wishing to can donate either to the Carter Baptist Church Special Projects fund or the Oklahoma Wildlife Association in his memory.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Keys Baptist Church with Matt Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow in the Tahlequah City Cemetery under the direction of the Hart Funeral Home.

Visitation hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the Hart Funeral Home.