Ralph Wayne Nichols

Ralph W. Nichols, 91, of Greenville, and formerly of New Madison, passed away on May 4, 2013 at the Brethrens Retirement Community. Ralph was born on August 3, 1921 in Wellston, Ohio to the late Thurman and Martha "Mattie" (Byers) Nichols.
Ralph worked at ALCOA for over 30 years. He was also known around Darke County as the ‘Fuller Brush Man’ selling for over 40 years. Ralph was a member of Beechgrove Church of the Brethren and enjoyed singing in the men’s quartet and harmonica band, singing solos, and teaching children in Sunday school. He loved living at the Brethren Retirement Community where he was very active in the bus trips, playing pool and being in the Wii bowling league. Ralph served his country honorably in the United States Army as a Technician 5th grade 727th Military Police Battalion in WWII. His greatest joys were spending time with family.
Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Emma; two sisters and three brothers.
Left to cherish his memory is a son, David and Elizabeth Nichols of Austin, Texas; two daughters, Patty and Robin Watkins of Brookeville, Ohio and Anita and Justin Small of Greenville; grandchildren, Joe and Gwynne Watkins of Fortville, Indiana, Tara Watkins and fianc�, James Clinger of Tipp City, Ohio, Michael and Sabrina Small of Greenville, Ohio and Heather Small of Marysville, Ohio; great grandchildren, Micah Watkins, Grant Clark, Kayla Clark and Scarlet Clinger, and many friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison with Rev. Gary Cloyd and Rev. Joe Watkins being asked to officiate. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 5 - 8 PM also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow services in Hollansburg Cemetery.
The family request memorial contributions be given to the Brethren Retirement Community Residence Aid Fund in honor of Ralph. Arrangements are entrusted to Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.braundpope.com.