ELGIN- Joel Keith Nichols, 68, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born in Germany, he was a son of Mary Jo Nichols and the late Vernon Nichols. Joel served in the U.S. Marine Corps including a tour in Grenada. He was a dungeons and dragons enthusiast, an avid Denver Broncos fan, a Trekkie, and Star Gate SG1 fan. He enjoyed working and riding in his Jeep, model cars, planes and trains, and loved the outdoors.

    Surviving are his wife, Tricia Marie Nichols; son, Stephen Nichols (Tara Brazel) of Columbia, Richard Nichols (Amber O'Quinn-Nichols) of Elgin; step-children, Arianna Marshall, Corrin Gibson, Brandon Butler; bonus children, John Samide, Desiree Samide, Malia Young-Williams; grandchildren, Orion Nichols, Keith Nichols, Ethan Nichols, Zoey Nichols, Benjamin Marshall-Stephens, Tate Gibson; and siblings, Rebecca Butler (Frankie), Rex Nichols (Sara), Douglas Nichols. He was predeceased by his first wife, Diana Young-Nichols.

     A service will be held at a later date in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.