Obituary of Lionel Manuel Nichols Jr.

Lionel Manuel Nichols Jr, 65, known to family and friends as Lonnie, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022. He is preceded in death by his father Lionel Nichols Sr.; and younger brother Dwayne Nichols. Left to cherish his memory are his mother Vera Adams Lane and husband, Norman; daughter Tessie Nichols of Buffalo NY; brother Leslie Nichols of Seattle, WA; stepbrother Eric Nichols of Rochester NY; sisters Valerie Nichols and spouse Terry Raburn, Karen Nichols, Alesia Nichols of Blairsville, GA and husband, Scott Cromp. His grandchildren include, Peyton Lionel Works and Bella Mona’e Booze. He also leaves to mourn his nephews and nieces, Trevon, Jordan, Alyssa and Emer Nichols and a host of many other family and friends.

Lonnie was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Bishop Newman High School and attended Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas on a basketball scholarship. He received his bachelor’s degree from Fredonia State University in Fredonia, New York.  Lonnie remained in Buffalo until 2005, when he relocated to Pearland, Texas, and remained there until his passing. Lonnie loved his family dearly and was a wonderful provider for them. He worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep. and had a very successful career.

Lonnie loved the game of basketball his entire life and enjoyed playing and watching both college and NBA basketball.  His favorite teams were the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors and the University of Buffalo Bulls. He loved the game so much that he became a basketball official where he served as a referee in  the Pearland and surrounding areas. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services for Lonnie will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 West Broadway, Pearland, Texas. The family will be receiving visitor’s from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm.