Lionel Nicholas, age 80, of Brownwood, TEXAS earned his heavenly wings August 11, 2026. Born July 20, 1946 to Lionel & Evelyn in Delcambre, Louisiana, he lived a life defined by ministry, service, and family.

He was a decorated marksman in the US Army, had 40 years in ministry and 25+ years of service with 3M Corporation, which valued his talents, professional leadership, and innovative spirit so much they created a department specifically for him and recognized Lionel with the prestigious 3M Corporate Voyagers Award for High Intensity Inventory Reduction. Lionel influenced family and several ministers, coworkers and friends; enjoyed traveling, photography, hunting, chess, researching the bible, being involved in the community and family.

Breaking barriers as the 1st in his family to attend college, Lionel paved the way for his children to follow as Lionel later earned his Bachelor's in Business Administration from Howard Payne University, and further pursued his calling in ministry by earning a certification in Belief Counseling from Therapon Institute and became Board Certified Belief Therapist. He was the Minority Business & Employment Committee Chair for Brownwood Chamber of Commerce.

As an Elder and Associate Pastor at Greater Faith Community Church, Lionel led the Men's Bible Study, served faithfully with Promise Keepers and on the Board of Directors for In-Touch Prison Ministry. He brought spiritual leadership to countless individuals to deepen their relationship with and grow in their faith-mentoring several who later became pastors. His wisdom, personality, generosity, faith, and love left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel & Evelyn Nicholas, and his siblings: Leonard, Oren, Joyce, and John Leo Nicholas.

Lionel's legacy of faith and love carries on with his wife of 54 years, Carol Nicholas; 3 children, Carmen Moore, Craig Nicholas, Jason (Allison) Nicholas; 7 grandchildren: Myya (Dominique) Sanders, Darrius (Loressa) Gant, George Nicholas, Grace Nicholas, Hailey Nicholas, Pastor Evan Nicholas, and Karmora Moore; 5 great- grandchildren: Avva, Aeylnn, and Ezra Sanders, Everleigh and Darrius Gant Jr.

Lionel's family will carry his torch forward-continuing to stir up the gift, speak the word, and pass blessings with every soul they encounter.