Raymond Thomas Nichols

Raymond Thomas Nichols (Tom), 85, a devoted educator and craftsman, passed away April 8, 2026, in his hometown of Somerset, Kentucky at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center. Born on December 6, 1940, to William Raymond and Lena Sears Nichols, Tom was a 1960 graduate of Somerset High School. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Industrial Arts from Eastern Kentucky University, launching a lifelong career dedicated to mentorship.

As a teacher, Tom shared his expertise in woodworking, metalworking, and drafting with countless students. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom through city art camps and woodshop classes for homeschoolers. Known affectionately as “Papa Tom,” he left a lasting mark on the hearts and hands of the many students he influenced.

Tom’s life was anchored by his faith. Raised in the Methodist Church, he served as a board member, sang bass in the choir, and spent years ministering to third and fourth graders as a Sunday School teacher. He was a proud member of Burnside Traditional Methodist Church, where he cherished the camaraderie of the “Prayer and Pizza” men’s group.

An avid woodworker, Tom’s craftsmanship ranged from intricate kitchen cabinets to the small pocket crosses for which he was known. He never left home without a handful of these crosses, using them as a bridge to share the gospel of his own Master Carpenter, Jesus Christ.

On August 4, 1963, Tom married his college sweetheart, Henrietta Scalf. Together, they built a life centered on their three children and their shared devotion to the Lord.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Henrietta; his children, Donna (Edson) Bustamante of Tampa, FL, Glenda Nichols of Somerset, KY, and David (Fonda) Nichols of Owensboro, KY; six grandchildren, Kayla (Travis) Weigart, Nathanael (Noelle) Bustamante, Rebekah Bustamante, Aaron Bustamante, Hallie Nichols, and Parker Nichols; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Michael Lewis, Jeslyn James Weigart, and Maxwell Thomas Bustamante; and two sisters, Linda (Larry) VanHook of Somerset and Faye (Jim) Fisher of Somerset.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W. R. and Lena Sears Nichols; his sisters, Marilyn Nichols Tanner, Janet Nichols Hagley, and DeeGee Nichols Stephens; and his brother, Rev. Larry Sears Nichols.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 12:00pm until 3:00pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.

His funeral service will follow on Sunday, April 19th at 3:00pm at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Pastor Arlene McCormick officiating. Entombment will be on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Lakeside Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tom’s grandchildren; Kayla Rider Weigart, Nathanael Bustamante, Rebekah Bustamante, Aaron Bustamante, Hallie Nichols and Parker Nichols. Honorary pallbearers will be Burnside Traditional Methodist Men’s “Prayer and Pizza” group.