John Wayne Nichols of Plano passed away on July 18, 2018 at the age of 64, due to complications from a stroke suffered on July 1, 2018. He was born on June 27, 1954 in Dallas to Forest Nichols and Annie Yvonne (Childress) Nichols; he was named after the famous actor. He was a lifelong resident of Texas and a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas.

John was respected around North Dallas as the IT tech — first for D&H Distributing and then for CopyNet — who could expertly fix any printer/copier/computer problem, delivered with his signature jokester style. John also was well known at area community markets as a sales consultant for Tastefully Simple and Homemade Gourmet products.

Older members of Dallas’ gay community might remember John as “Daddy,” the gentle giant with the big smile who served as a bouncer at The Wave during the late 1980s.

It was in the late 1990s that John finally met the love of his life, husband Richard DeKnock of Plano. The vows they took in a commitment ceremony on July 21, 2001 were renewed in a marriage ceremony on July 21, 2015. As a couple, they were active in GALA (Gay and Lesbian Alliance of North Texas) and other groups and events supporting LGBTQ rights in Texas and nationwide, including 2006 Gay Games VII in Chicago and 2000 Millennium March in Washington D.C.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Mildred Frances (Nichols) Morris; and his brothers George Edward Nichols, Harvell Ray Nichols and Robert Earl “Pete” Nichols.

In addition to his husband Richard, John is survived by his brother, James Wyatt Nichols of Dallas; sons John Eric Painter and William Scott Nichols, both of Dallas; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was especially close to nephew Mark Edward Nichols and his husband, Francisco Gamez of El Sobrante, Calif., to his niece Mary (Nichols) Aills and her husband David Aills of Gilmer, Texas; and his cousin, Frank “Butch” Dykes and husband Griff Hubbard of Longview, Texas. Also missing her “Daddy” is John’s devoted cat Callie.

Communion service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Ave. in Dallas. A gathering in the church parlor will follow, until about 1:15 p.m. No visitation. Flowers (especially John’s beloved yellow roses) will be gratefully accepted at the church; remembrances also may be made at the Richard DeKnock & John Nichols page at gofundme.com.

An informal celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.