Gates Nichols

[dallas nana]

For 17 years, Gates Nichols played steel guitar for Confederate Railroad even though he preferred the bass.

 

Family photo On July 6, Gates Nichols was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, shortly after turning 65. Warren “Gates” Nichols of Douglasville died Friday at Hospice Tranquility in Austell.

Enlarge photo Family photo For 17 years, Gates Nichols played steel guitar for Confederate Railroad even though he preferred the bass.

 

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Maybe it was the sound.

 

Or perhaps it was that Mr. Nichols of Powder Springs had played bass guitar on “Shannon,” a 1976 soft-rock hit written and sung by Henry Gross.

 

“His passion was the bass,” said Beverly Nichols, his wife of six years, “but I liked when he played the keyboards. He could do a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ that was amazing. He could really do it up on the keyboard.”

 

Recently, the keyboard had become the instrument of choice for Mr. Nichols, who was a member of the praise band at West Ridge Church in Dallas. He retired from Confederate Railroad in December 2008, a decision made to devote more time to church and family, said his daughter Brittney Humes of Douglasville.

 

“To be honest, he wanted to work and praise Jesus,” Ms. Humes said. “He was excited about being able to play more in the church, and that’s what he was doing.”

 

On July 6, Mr. Nichols was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, shortly after turning 65. A stomach CAT scan found that the disease, in Stage IV, had metastasized to his liver and lungs.

 

Warren “Gates” Nichols of Douglasville died Friday at Hospice Tranquility in Austell. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Clark Funeral Home in Hiram. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at West Ridge Church.

 

Mr. Nichols grew up on his grandfather’s farm in upstate New York. The self-taught musician graduated from Sachem High on Long Island and immediately embarked on a music career. He played backup for several bands and, in the 1980s, found his way to Atlanta after marrying a native from the state. He played with various groups, including the Gunsmoke Band and Southerner, at locales like Miss Kitty’s in Underground Atlanta.

 

In 1991, Danny Shirley, founder and front man of Confederate Railroad, tapped Nichols to join the band. The union spawned sold-out concerts, millions in album sales and 18 chart hits. Accolades include 1993 Grammy nominee and winning the Academy of Country Music’s Best New Group Award in 1993.

 

“He was an all-around musician,” Mr. Shirley said, “and he played with us for 17 years. “Not only did he play steel guitar, he was a bass player, trombone player and keyboard player.”

 

News of Nichols’ death has been a topic on the band’s Web page, www.confederaterailroad.net. “As far as I am concerned, music has lost a legend,” Michael Butler wrote.

 

Ms. Humes remembered seeing her father — who recently had been a substitute teacher at South Paulding High — perform with Confederate Railroad.

 

“We got to be up front at every show,” she said, “and got backstage passes. That was cool. The man was something. You could put any instrument in his hands, and if he didn’t know how to play it, he’d learn it.”

 

Additional survivors are a son, David Nichols of Long Island; three other daughters, Danielle Manwarren of Concord, N.C., Dawn Nichols of Vail, Colo., and Ashley Young of Douglasville; and three grandchildren.

 

 

[luvtennis5]

May you rest in peace Mr. Nichols. Loved to listen to Confederate Railroad... Prayers for the family during this time.

[tuscanytrailer]

Great testimony of God working in people's lives!

Pastor Brian at Westridge said Gates' son gave his life to Christ at the funeral!!!!!

[msflyfisher]

Great testimony of God working in people's lives!

Pastor Brian at Westridge said Gates' son gave his life to Christ at the funeral!!!!!

 

 

WOW - that is awesome! Prayers of comfort and peace for the family.

[Mrs G]

Great testimony of God working in people's lives!

Pastor Brian at Westridge said Gates' son gave his life to Christ at the funeral!!!!!

 

 

That was Awesome!!!! Prayers for the Family & Friends

[brown*eyed*girl]

I was so sad to hear of his passing. I attend West Ridge and had hoped to attend the funeral on Wednesday but was not able to. Just this morning in church Pastor Brian was talking about him and his influence and how God has a plan for Everyone! Amen

[Oliviamysliwiec]

Both my daughters had Mr. Nichols as a sub at SPHS. They both really enjoyed having him. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.