Elmer Menzo "Doc" Nichols, Jr., 80, of Lake City, passed away on Friday morning, December 22, 2023 at the HCA Florida – North Florida Hospital in Gainesville, after a brief illness. He was born in Decatur, Illinois on January 24, 1943 to the late Elmer Menzo Nichols and Mabel Blanche Vannote Nichols. He has made Lake City his home for the past thirty-five years, moving here from Illinois. He worked as a Propane Gas Service Technician for over fifty years and was a US Navy Veteran. He was a member of the Watertown Congregational Methodist Church here in Lake City; and in his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, sitting on his porch watching the birds and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth "Kenny" Nichols and six siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Rita Nichols of Lake City; daughters, Jody Koontz (Bill) of Indiana and Janet Cook of Indiana; step daughter, Kathy Houk of Lake City and step-son, Tommy Houk of Lake City; and his sister, Shirley of Illinois. Four grandchildren, Trey Houk, Trenton Houk, Angela Leap (Brock), Stephanie Koontz; seven great-grandchildren, Kollin Leap, Ayden Leap, Meadow Koontz, Sierra Cook, Raven Cook, Lily Koontz, and River Koontz; and one great-great-grandchild, Anthony Leap also survives.

A Celebration of Life service for Doc will be held on Friday, January 5, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Watertown Congregational Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Ogburn officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.