March 7, 1944 – February 24, 2026
Gary Lee Nichols, 81, of Checotah, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He was born on March 7, 1944, to John and Mavis (Dalton) Nichols in Enid, Oklahoma.
Because of his father’s profession as an independent grocer who bought and refurbished old grocery stores, Gary’s family moved frequently during his childhood. He attended many schools before ultimately graduating from Maysville High School in 1962. He later attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and developed a lifelong love for OU athletics.
Gary’s parents moved to Checotah in 1965 while he was attending college. During that time, while working part-time for his father, Gary first noticed the love of his life, Kay Vandiver. It wasn’t until after he graduated from college and returned to Checotah to open his first grocery store that he convinced Kay to go on a date.
Gary married Kay Vandiver on December 30, 1971.
Gary was a dedicated and hardworking man. He often worked seven days a week, leaving home early in the morn-ing and returning late in the evening. Over the course of his career, Gary owned and operated fifteen grocery stores and employed more than 900 people. He believed in taking care of both his employees and his customers. He took great pride in providing jobs, mentoring employees, and faithfully serving the communities where his stores were located. To Gary, food was more than business, it was pure joy. He once said Hamburger Helper was meant to be sold, not eaten. He never hesitated to order dessert for the whole table just so he could try them all. Sharing meals with family and friends was one of his greatest pleasures.
Gary loved OU football and rarely missed a game. He was a devoted Sooner through every season and could always be counted on to cheer on the Sooners. A season ticket holder for more than 50 years, he began attending games as a teenager and continued that tradition throughout his life.
He loved his community and was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church for many years. Gary was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the Checotah School Board, including serving as President of the School Board. He was also a member of the National Grocers Association and proudly served as President of the Oklahoma Grocers Association. Gary’s dedication to his community and profession earned him numerous honors. He was named the McIntosh County Democrat’s Citizen of the Year in Checotah and received the Spirit of America Award through the Oklahoma Grocers Association.
Gary believed strongly in giving back and supporting the town that supported him. One of his favorite sayings was, “No one ever went broke being generous.”
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mavis Nichols; his parents-in-law, Woodrow and Dorothy Vandiver; John and Gwen Vandiver; Dottie Hays; Stacy Vandiver; Mike Polk; Larry Kennedy; and Dave Lewis.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay Nichols, of the home; his son, Jeremy Nichols and wife April; his son, Drew Nichols andMandyKelso;andhis daughter, Dr. Holly Rice and fiancé Jerry Goodson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dalton Nichols, Sawyer Rice, Ashlyn Jobe, Alex Jobe, Graham Goodson, and Audrey Johnson and husband Ryan. He is further survived by his sister, Jane Davis and husband David, his big sister and lifelong best friend; sisters-in-law, Charlcie Kennedy, Mary Polk, Virginia Allen, and Carlye Thompson and husband Jerry; brother-inlaw, Matthew Vandiver and wife Lisa; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a lifetime of cherished friends.
Gary will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family and community. You may share online condolences with Gary’s family at www. garrettfamilyfuneralhome. com. The family of Gary Nichols entrusted his care, services and burial to John & Kim Garrett of Garrett Family Funeral Home 311 SW 2nd St. Checotah, OK 74426.
