Christopher Jarrett Nichols, 50, of McKinney, TX passed away on February 9, 2026 after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his own home.

Chris was born on March 25, 1975 in Columbia, SC to Bonnie Hatcher and Frank Nichols. He was raised in Lexington, SC by his loving grandparents, Jimmie and Carol Nichols, and his father and stepmother, Merry Nichols in West Columbia, SC.  He had fond memories of exploring the woods with his BB gun and enjoying summers at Myrtle Beach with his grandparents.

At the age of 18, Chris joined the United States Navy in 1994 and served honorably for six and a half years as an Electronic Warfare First Class (EW1). During his military service, he completed three deployments, including missions to Bosnia, Africa, and the Persian Gulf. He also served aboard the USS Monterey during the Millennium Cruise. His time in the Navy forged lifelong friendships as well as discipline, technical expertise, and leadership.

After leaving the Navy, Chris moved to Texas to begin a job in telecommunications with Nortel Networks.  Over the course of his career, he went on to work for General Dynamics, Airbus, and Viasat, building a reputation as a highly skilled satellite communications expert. His work took him all over the world supporting critical communications infrastructure and complex satellite systems. He spent these years working with great colleagues he was proud to call friends.

During his time in Texas, Chris met his wife and they were married for almost 24 years. Together they had two amazing children. He shared a love of fishing with his son and with his daughter, an offbeat sense of humor and love of travel. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Heather; his children, Lily and Luke; his father and stepmother, Frank and Merry Nichols; his brothers, Andy and Bryan Nichols; and his sister, Kimberly Wenzell.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Hatcher; his paternal grandparents, Jimmie and Carol Nichols; and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Marie Hatcher; and Neal and Betty Doyle.

Chris will be buried at sea and the family will have a private memorial service.