Terry Lee (Lemon) Nichols passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, in his home at Russellville, where he has been under the care of Great Lakes Hospice since May 5. Terry was born Feb. 9, 1943, at Culver Hospital, Crawfordsville, to Delores Rose (Lemon) Nichols, and at the age of 4 was adopted by Walter Nichols. Both parents preceded him in death. In the mid-50s they moved to their home place in Whitesville. Terry attended New Market and Crawfordsville schools, where he graduated from. On Aug. 13, 1988, he married Mary Theresa Catherine, formerly of Connecticut, in Napa Valley, Calif. She survives. Together, they have a daughter, Ashley Catherine of Washington, D.C. Terry also leaves behind a son, Aaron Lee of Whitesville; a sister, Chavette of Quincy, Ill.; two nieces; six nephews; and five grandsons.
Terry worked in various occupations until he found his love in auto racing and a career that spanned over 30 years on the Indy Car Circuit, Grand Prix Circuit, Trans Am and Baja 1000/ Stadium Truck Series as an engine and gear box mechanic as well as a pit-crew member. After retiring from auto racing, Terry went on to open his own shop, Old Car Doctor, in Speedway on the original Gasoline Alley, where he worked on "nothing that had a computer!" Several of Terry's projects went on to win awards at various car shows. Terry was a member of the Indy 500 Old Timers Club, and his many hobbies kept him busy as well: kite building, Pietenpol Airplanes, Indian motorcycle, Davenport swap meets and James Dean Festivals. Terry also was preceded in death by his brother, David of Lafayette; and son Michael of Bloomington.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, followed by services at 10 a.m. at Hunt & Son Funeral Home, Crawfordsville, led by the Rev. Glen McFarland. Burial will follow at Mace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Abilities Services Inc., 1237 Concord Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, where all funds will be used to dedicate a memorial bench in Terry's honor.