Charles Terry “Odie” Nichols
December 15, 1961 – October 23, 2025
Tupelo-Charles Terry “Odie” Nichols, a good hardworking man, departed this life on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 from NMMC after a long battle with Lymphoma cancer. He was 63 years old. Terry was born on Dec. 15, l961 to Charles David Nichols and Ora Jane Russell Swanson. He attended Plantersville Junior High School and completed his education at Shannon High School. Terry was a master brick and block mason all this life. He was taught the trade by his dad, Charles and working alongside him until he retired. He then worked over 20 years for D. W. Hopkins further perfecting his skills. Odie continued until he was diagnosed with cancer and spent all the time he could then being an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting as much as he could. A man of motion and industry, Terry was always doing something positive to occupy his time. He maintained many friendships, loved his family and enjoyed fellowshipping with all. Terry was raised in New Hope Baptist Church and maintained his membership until his death.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 from the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Chaplain Ronnie Hatfield of NMMC Home Hospice officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon-until service time at 3PM on Wed. only. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/ Live-streaming, and will be archived thereafter.
Charles Terry is survived by his parents, Jane Russell Swanson and husband, Rabbit Swanson and their children, Kelvin White, Paula, Myra, and Rhonda of Pontotoc; Charles (Monk) Nichols and wife, Paulette; his siblings, Kathie Hoffman (David) and their children, Nick and Chris Hoffman of Franklin, TN, David Nichols (Melissa) of Mantachie and their children, Justin Nichols and Madison Nichols; sisters, Myra, Rhonda and Paula all of Pontotoc; his Uncles and Aunts; nephews and nieces; his Russell, Swanson, and Nichols side and their families and a host of friends.
Pallbearers will be Arnold Alexander, Scott Montague, Chase Nichols, Jamie Bouchillon, Justin Nichols and Christopher Hoffman. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and other near relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at New Hope Baptist Church, 542 Road 1009, Tupelo, MS. 38804 Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
~
