Russell David Nichols Sr, 76, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was born in Suffolk, VA to the late Mary Lou Guyton and Russell Dean Nichols. He is also predeceased by his sister, Mary Dean N. Gray.

David has been flying since he was fourteen years old. Flying was his passion. He served with the United States Army and Virginia Army National Guard, completing four tours in Vietnam. He served 25 years as a State Trooper-Pilot for the Virginia State Police out of Chesterfield County. David was among the first group of pilots to be added to the aviation division when it was first created. David was also the first pilot to navigate the rescue helicopter for the Med-Flight program. After retiring, he continued serving his community as a pilot for Massey Energy and VCU LifeEvac. David enjoyed caring for animals, spending time at the airport, and making friends everywhere he went. Most of all, he loved sharing his adventures and making memories with his grandsons.

David is survived by his children, Russell David Nichols, Jr;  Jennifer L. Ashton (Johnathan); six grandsons (Papa's Boys), Drew, Elijah, Russell III "Nick", Kevin, Flynn, and Greysen; mother of his children, Donna L. Nichols; and numerous nieces and nephews.

David's funeral service will be 2:00 pm, February 12, 2024 at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory in Suffolk, VA. Visitation will be from 1-2:00 pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in David's name to MCV Children's Hospital. Please visit this link to do so: https://support.chfrichmond.org/site/Donation2?idb=2132198710&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=1920&mfc_pref=T&1920.donation=form1&idb=[[S76:idb]]

Condolences can be registered at www.parrfuneralhome.com