Justin Baines Nuckols

Justin B. Nuckols, 54, passed away on June 11, 2022, at Horse Corral Meadow. He was born March 9, 1968, in Porterville, CA to Robert (Bob) Nuckols and Gail Goins Nuckols.
Justin was the 4th generation to attend Hope Elementary School in Porterville, graduated from Porterville High School in 1986, and attended College of the Sequoias and Fresno State University. While at Fresno State, he met the love of his life, Michelle Gutsch. They were married September 2, 1995. Together they made their home in Porterville and raised two incredible sons, Tanner, 22, and Carson, 19.
Justin was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Anyone that knew Justin, loved him. He was big-hearted and committed to his family and friends. His wittiness kept people laughing with his one-liners and incredible sense of humor.
He was a 4th generation cattle rancher and farmer and had a passion for preserving the family’s ranch heritage. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Fresno State, where he made many lifelong friends. He was a member of 4-H and FFA and a strong supporter of his sons’ 4-H and FFA activities and never missed a chance to be involved with the boys, including making trips to Texas Tech University during the past 3 years to visit them at school. He was a member of the Tulare County Farm Bureau, Tulare County Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlemen’s Association.
Every night, you could find him working in the shop. He was a master fabricator and mechanic. He could fix anything and if he didn’t have the tool to do it, he’d make it.
Justin and the family spent their summers up at Horse Corral Meadow, the cattle ranch in the Sierras that’s been in the family for over 100 years. His appreciation for that land and the family history there were so close to his heart. He loved the back country, especially Cloudy Canyon, Dead Man and the Roaring River area. His Grandpa Lewis told him the history of that area. He continued the tradition of maintaining the log corrals and fences at Horse Corral. Each year he took the cattle and horses there for the summer, along with family and friends to enjoy what he called, “God’s Country.”
Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis and Betty Goins and Bob and Emma Nuckols. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Gutsch Nuckols; his sons, Tanner Nuckols and Carson Nuckols; his mother and father, Gail Nuckols and Bob Nuckols; his sister, Adonas Nuckols; and numerous family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 25, 2022, at 11:30 AM at Nuckols Ranch, 13144 Road 216, Porterville, California. Interment to be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Tulare County Farm Bureau Education and Scholarship, 737 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93292 (note the contribution is in memory of Justin Nuckols); and Fresno AGR Alumni, 610 S. Lassen, Kerman, CA 93630 c/o Chris McKenna.
To light a virtual candle, share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the tribute section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries . Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.