Director: Edward H. Nichols  

Smith County Facility Services Director Edward Nichols was born in Longview and graduated from Gilmer High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps. and worked as an electrician, served as a rifle and pistol coach and training non-commissioned officer.   

In 2003, Nichols was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal after completing four years of service. After returning home, he worked as a welder for Dana Corporation. He then resumed work as an electrician at Russell Electric while attending Kilgore College working towards a degree in criminal justice. He moved to Waukegan, Illinois, where he attended the College of Lake County, worked as a correctional officer for the Lake County Sherriff’s Department and worked part-time as a loss prevention officer for J.C. Penney. 

In 2006, he returned to Texas and returned to work as an electrician for Kellogg, Brown and Root at Texas Eastman in Longview, and then M-Optic. He began his career at Smith County in 2008, as a maintenance technician and electrician. He was promoted to director of Smith County Facility Services in 2017.

Nichols is married to Stephanie, and is a proud father of two girls and three boys. 

Facility Services has a staff of 29 employees who support 44 departments and 29 county facilities. The staff includes carpenters, electricians, heating and air conditioning specialists, maintenance technicians, custodians and grounds-keepers.

To view 2025 presentation to Commissioners Court: click Facility Services Staffing overview FY24 and & request for FY25

Responsibilities

• Construction of new buildings
• Remodeling and repairs to all buildings
• Painting interiors and exteriors of buildings
• Installation and maintenance of heating and air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Housekeeping
• Landscaping
• Preventive Maintenance

Location and Staff

312-B E. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas 75702

Phone: (903) 590-4761

Mission Statement

The Smith County Facility Services Department is committed to providing management of the county's physical assets while creating an environment conducive to excellence in public service, through the effective implementation of facility maintenance, capital improvements, professional design, and energy management.