Stephen Allen Nichols better known as “Stevie.” Born on June 27th, 1960 and passed from this Earth on September 10, 2025 at the age of 65 at his home in Readyville, TN surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Bill (Red) and Mary Bugg Nichols at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury, Tennessee. Born with Down Syndrome the doctor advised the family to put him in an institution and that he probably wouldn’t live past his 30’s. Mary refused to do that because he was a gift from God given to her as a special blessing. Stevie was provided with much love and one on one care from many family members which helped him thrive and grow. Bill and Mary moved to Old Hickory when Stevie was old enough to start school. Cannon County didn’t have Special Education services in the school system at that time. Stevie attended schools that would teach him life skills until he was 22. After he graduated from his school, he later attended the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center, later renamed Journeys In Community Living. He worked there for many years participating in job programs in the community. His favorite jobs were working at State Farm and delivering Meals on Wheels. He made many friends at State Farm that continued long after the program ended. He didn’t like doing the Meals on Wheels at first-he wanted to keep the food for himself, but when it was explained that he was helping people who didn’t have food he was ready to help them and do it with a smile. He worked in the workshop at the Center and made money that he was so proud of. That $5 pay envelope meant the world to him. He felt like a MAN. He went to the center for many years. Later he started looking to retire and liked to tell everyone that he quit. NO WORK! After his retirement, his daytime caregiver, Tabitha Pope, would take him to do his favorite things- get a haircut, eat at Cracker Barrel, to his nieces and nephews school programs or to go shopping. He loved to wear nice clothes and be neatly groomed. He loved going to church and to sing church songs. After a stroke in February 2025 left him unable to walk he was cared for at home and he loved visits from friends and family. He never lost his sense of humor or his beautiful smile.
He is survived by his sister, Joy Wilson, and her husband, Terry. Nephew, Jacob Pope(Tabitha), Niece, Laura Beth Pope Johnson (Patrick). Ann Wilson Jackson (CJ), Great nephews, Tyson and Barret Pope and Bradley Jackson, great nieces, Liliana and Sidney Pope, Aleeya Johnson, Bethany Jackson. Uncle, Doyle McConnell. Cousins, Jim Bugg (Louise), Barbara Bugg Stewart (Ken), Marsha Bugg Rivers, Al Bugg, Jr.(Kathy), Dorothy Floyd Collingham (Dale), Teresa McConnell (Doug), Jeff McConnell (Susan), Mary Ann McConnell Thompson (Kevin), Myra Jean McConnell, and Beth Hartsfield Davis (Mance). Margarita Nichols Watts (Steve), Randy Nichols. Because Stevie said he got married to Terry with sister he had Sister-in-laws, Judy Lynch, Pam Todd (Randy), Mary Corum (John). He leaves many loved ones and friends that’s too numerous to list.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill Nichols and Mary Bugg Nichols Newhouse and stepfather, Henry Newhouse, grandparents, Frank and Daisy Nichols, Oscar and Myra Smithson Bugg. Aunts and Uncles, Doris (Slick) Nichols (Johnny Bell), Hazel Nichols Lefevers, Paul Bugg (Mary Ann), Alfred Bugg, Sr. (Francis), Christine Bugg Floyd (Roy), Juel Bugg McConnell (Doyle), Elizabeth Bugg Hartsfield (Ben). Cousins, Joyce Bugg, Gayle Nichols (Linda), Matthew Bugg.
Stevie’s gift in life was unconditional love. He loved all people. His mother always said his extra chromosome was one of extra love. May his example of loving everyone carry on with all who knew him. His favorite vacations were attending Camp Discovery. He attended many summers and always wanted to stay longer the next year. He had so many great counselors through the years!
We want to express our deep appreciation to the Gentiva Hospice team. They helped us walk through this valley with compassion and support every step of the way.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Discovery (Gainsboro) or Journeys in Community Living (Murfreesboro) would be appreciated.
His family will receive friends Sunday, September 14, 2025 after 12:30 p.m. Memorial services will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mance Davis and Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net