Benton "Ben" R. Nichols

If Benton Nichols were writing this himself, he’d probably start with a joke you weren’t sure was a joke and finish it with a grin that left you wondering if you’d just been lovingly roasted or not. Born in 1988, Benton lived 37 full-throttle years with the dry wit of his beloved grandfather (along with his jawline and ears, of course), a heart big enough for a village, and a story (real or slightly exaggerated) for every occasion.

Benton was many things: a lifelong baseball player who started with T-ball and played through high school, a cross-country runner until an unfortunate knee said otherwise, a professional birdwatcher who took his backyard feeders very seriously (don’t even think about forgetting the birdseed), and a self-proclaimed bull rider thanks to the movie 8 Seconds, his all-time favorite film, which he could quote line for line, every day of his life. Though he only rode an actual bull a few times, one hoof-related scare gave him all the credibility he needed.

He was also the kind of man who made you feel like family, because chances are, you were. Benton was “adopted” into more friend families than anyone could count, and he returned that love tenfold. He was the bestest friend you could ever have, loyal, hilarious, and always up for a laugh, a helping hand, or a heart-to-heart (with a side of sarcasm).

Benton wore many hats in life (and we’re not just talking careers, though he had plenty of those, too). He was a proud "jack of all trades," a dog lover through and through, and a nature enthusiast who felt most at peace outside.

But above all, Benton was a dad. A great one. Whether they shared his blood or not, he loved his five kids equally and fiercely: Gavin, Atlas, Katelyn, Anthony, and Audriana. He also somehow managed the rare and wonderful feat of having two big loves in his life, and through patience, time, and teamwork, helped create a blended family full of respect, laughter, and love.

He is now reunited with his Memaw, Big D, and his beloved pup Zoey, surely telling them some long-winded, half-true story right now while they shake their heads and smile.

Benton leaves behind a crew who adored him: his parents, Johnny and Susie Nichols; his wife, Alexis Handy; his children Gavin Nichols, Atlas Nichols, Audriana Gonzales; stepchildren Katelyn Meurer, Anthony Meurer; his siblings, Lyndsie Nichols and Joseph Youngblood; an army of close friends; a bunch of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; and every bird who ever benefitted from his full feeders.

In true Benton fashion, we’ll celebrate his life with more laughter than tears and more stories than time allows. Because if there’s one thing Benton taught us, it’s that life is better when you don’t take it too seriously.

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