Nilez Ryan Nichols, age 19 years, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Monday, November 19, 2018.

Nilez was born on August 27, 1999 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. From age three on, he resided much of the time with, and was later adopted by, his grandparents Duane R. and Sue Anne (Barbarick) Nichols.

Nilez, as a young boy, loved playing both Spring and Fall “Y” Youth Soccer, and in the winter, Upward Basketball. He was most curious about God’s World around him, and as a younger boy cherished any time outdoors, whatever the weather. He loved to observe the different creatures, plants, arrowheads, chert shards, rocks and trees around his home. He enjoyed swimming in the pool with family and friends. Nilez enjoyed his “Missouri River Pirates” tree house and the zip glide that descended from it. He relished fishing in the lake, climbing trees, sledding on the hills, and playing on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River Valley with his three sisters, where the family lives, on a place they call “BearHill”.

He attended and enjoyed North Elementary School, his teachers, and knew the watchful guidance of Ms. Martin, The Principal, who kept him on task. Nilez belonged to the Cub pack that met at the school, and truly enjoyed that activity.

He spent five years in Yellville, Arkansas, until his grandparents brought him back home in 2015.

He was a 2018 graduate of Jefferson City High School and after high school he worked for a time at Scholastic and then Pizza Hut.

Nilez was member of the First Presbyterian Church, in both Jefferson City and Yellville, and had attended Church, Sunday School, and Youth Group regularly until his late teens. While still active with the Youth Group he participated in Service Projects to include REACH trips rebuilding damaged homes; mission work stocking and distributing food products; and the Montreat Youth Conference in the Smokey Mountains.

Nilez expressed interest in joining the US Air Force. But life style choices continued to take him on a track that was not productive and away from his roots. His young life ended so early, senselessly and tragically, with many unmet opportunities and much unused potential. May he find comfort in God’s grace and safe embrace, and rest peacefully.

His family will remember his radiant smile and youthful curiosity of the world around him; Where did that boy go? Though he left us, he is still in our hearts and minds. We still see him run and climb on the bluffs and hear him holler as he descends the zip glide or dives in the pool. He is with us. God shares him with us through his memory in our hearts.

Survivors include: his parents/grandparents, Duane R. and Sue A. Nichols of Southern Callaway County, Mo.; three sisters, Cheyanne Rae Nichols, MSU Springfield, Mo., Cicily Sue Moriarty of Buffalo, Mo. and Mary Elizabeth Nichols of the family home; his aunt, Evelyn Nichols McHugh (husband Robert) of Sturgeon, Mo.; and his great uncle Wayne R. Nichols (wife Karen) of Pamona, Missouri.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Nilez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City, and its new educational component headed by Ms. Martin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.