Benjamin Thomas "Shorty" Nichols , 57, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Billy Windham officiating, assisted by Bro. B.J. Windham and Crystal Linebarger.  Interment will follow at East Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mr. Nichols was born September 2, 1962, in Shelby County, to Preston Henry and Betty Ann Nichols.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gatherings with friends and family and he had a love for children. Mr. Nichols was saved and baptized at East Hamilton Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children, Rowdy Risinger and Kaci Risinger of Orange; sisters, Billie Stanley and husband Darence of Center, Wanda Yarborough and husband Freddie of Timpson, Louise and husband Tony Wall of Center, and Erna Williams and husband Keith of Lufkin; brothers, James Nichols and wife Charlene of Chireno and Dan H. Nichols of Milam; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Venus Cassell Nichols; parents, Preston Henry and Betty Ann Nichols; and grandmother, Eller Asforia.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Hargroder, Kirk Graves, William Cassell, Michael Cassell Jr., Daniel Cassell, and Lee Gibbs.