David "Dave" Leon Nichols

David “Dave” Leon Nichols, age 75, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him deeply. Born on December 16, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama, Dave brought warmth, wisdom, and a steady hand to every life he touched.

Dave was the beloved son of Leon Nichols and Patricia Goodwin, and he carried their values of hard work, integrity, and compassion with him throughout his life. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, where he began laying the foundation for the man so many would come to know and love.

A skilled mechanic and entrepreneur, Dave owned and operated D&H Auto Repair in Arlington for many years. His passion for fixing cars was matched only by his talent — he could make an engine sing. One of his proudest accomplishments was restoring a 1969 Z28 Camaro, a labor of love that mirrored the care and detail he gave to everything he did.

Dave’s heart, however, always belonged to the water. An avid fisherman, Lake Fork was his second home, and his beloved boat his sanctuary. He won numerous bass tournaments over the years, and more importantly, earned countless friendships along the way. He always seemed to know the best fishing spots — and he never hesitated to share them, especially if it meant a story or a laugh.

He was also a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide football fan — “Roll Tide” was practically a second language — and although his loyalty to the Dallas Cowboys was often tested, he never gave up on them. That hopefulness, even when the odds weren’t great, was part of who Dave was.

Above all, Dave was a family man. For 42 beautiful years, he shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Deborah Nichols. Together, they built a life full of laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion. He was a father to Pamela Hopkins, Steve Nichols Killette (Leslie), and Stephanie Strickland, and a grandfather to Payton Hopkins, Brady Hopkins, Allie Killette, Dalton Killette, Nathan Howard, and Heather Gortney. His legacy continues in their hearts and lives.

He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Nichols Kelly, Betty “Tootsie” Barker, and preceded in death by his brother Bobby Barker and his Mother Patricia Goodwin.

Those who knew Dave will remember his strong hands, kind eyes, and a spirit that could calm a storm or fix a stubborn engine. He was the friend you could count on, the fisherman who always had a tip to share, the father who showed up, and the husband who loved deeply and well.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Wade Family Funeral Home in Wade Chapel, beginning at 2:00 p.m. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in remembering a life so well lived.

Though the lake may be quiet and his chair by the fire empty, the ripples Dave made in this world — in every cast line, every turned wrench, every shared laugh — will continue on in all of us.

Tight lines, Dave. We’ll see you on the water.