Walter "Gregg" Nichols

Walter Gregory “Gregg” Nichols, 66, born on October 20, 1957, in Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.

Gregg attended Caddo Parish Schools and graduated from Byrd High School in 1975. Growing up he shared a pew with his family at Morningside Baptist Church in Shreveport, where he was baptized and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Gregg was a talented self-taught musician.  His passion for music was evident at a very early age. With his amazing ear for music, Gregg learned to play any instrument he picked up, notably mastering the harmonica in an astonishingly short period of time.  He also played drums, guitar, and was a strong vocalist.  Over the years, he enjoyed playing in various bands alongside his lifelong best friend, Ronnie Rambin.  Gregg loved to share his appreciation of music with everyone he met and always encouraged others to pursue their musical talents.

As a long-time resident of Arlington, Texas, Gregg was an enthusiastic sports fan of NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.  His career journey was diverse, starting as a teenager working with his father in the family land surveying business, to various roles in truck driving, construction industries, on-site paper shredding, and public works.

Gregg was able to keep cancer at bay for ten years.  It reemerged in 2024.  With this challenge he remained hopeful, finding solace in his faith. Even on his darkest days, he was courageous and long-suffering, looking to the Lord for comfort.

Gregg touched many lives, especially with his fun loving and comedic personality.  Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife and partner, Sharon Gritsko Nichols of Arlington, Texas, and stepdaughter, Tiffany Schroer (Nate) of Forney, TX, along with grandson, Preston. Gregg is also survived by his stepmother, Irene Nichols, and half-sister, Jennifer Nichols of Coushatta, Louisiana; and stepsiblings, Debra Lindsey (Wulfie), Wiley Lindsey (Melanie), Clifton Lindsey (Lori) of Bossier Parish, and sister-n-law Gail Allen, brother-n-law Gary Gritsko, and mother-n-law Barbara Gritsko of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Other survivors include his aunts Robbie Mode and Etoise Nichols; his niece, Amber Lalena (Brandon), and great-nephews, Hunter Brooks (Jamie and their children Parker and Tucker), Nicholas Claycomb, and Caleb Lalena. Additionally, he leaves behind a large extended family of first cousins: Mark Longino, Christy Gay, Robin Nichols-Meshelle, Rhonda Nunley and Rebecca Holzer; and step nieces and nephews: Ashley Stephenson, Megan Huddleston, Tyler Lindsey, Cameron Lindsey, Katlin Lindsey, Eric Lindsey, Rachel Lindsey, Carly Lindsey, Sara Peck, Nicole Nichols, Madison Nelson, and Brandon Nelson, and their families.

He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Benjamin Nichols; mother, Patsy Pardue Short; his sister, Vicky Lalena Russell; grandparents, L.B. and Thelma Averitt Nichols, and Doyle and Viola Lee Pardue; nephew, Nicholas Lalena; and his uncles, Doug Nichols and Corky Mode, aunts Elaine Sessions (J.R.) and Shirley Longino (Merse) and first cousins Aliene Sessions McCoy, Johnny Longino and Earnest Mode.

Gregg will be buried at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana near many family members.  Randy Greer, longtime family friend, will officiate the memorial service (date pending).  Family and friends wanting to honor his memory may do so by sharing their memories and funny stories of Gregg with others, supporting local musicians, and performing random acts.  May he rest in peace with the Lord and be surrounded by the magical music of heaven.