Frank Hayward Nichols, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. He lived a life full of love and laughter, UK Basketball and golf, sharing it all with a loving group of family and friends. His quick wit was legendary and matched only by his kind spirit and generous soul. If you ever met him, you never forgot him and more than likely became a good friend along the way. He was cherished by all who knew and loved him, and his loss will be felt every day.
Frank was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 16, 1946, the son of Frank and Dorothy Nichols. Raised in Louisville, he graduated from Pleasure Ridge Park High School (Class of 1964) before arriving on the hallow grounds of the University of Kentucky.
While in high school, Frank was a standout point guard for the PRP basketball team, making the All-City team his senior year. At UK, he was a member and Grand Master of the Beta Nu Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity while perfecting his attendance skills for Cats basketball games and after parties.
After graduating from UK, Frank began his railroad career with the L&N Railroad in Louisville in 1970. He would transfer to Jacksonville in 1980 as part of the L&N/Seaboard Coastline merger. In 1989, he would move to Philadelphia to join Conrail and after nine successful years, he returned to Jacksonville in 1998 to rejoin CSX. He retired from CSX in 2006 as Senior Vice President Employee Relations.
Frank earned his undergraduate degree in Finance/Accounting at UK in 1969 and went on to receive his master’s degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University in 1988. He was proud of the Little League baseball team that he coached in the mid-1970s to a league championship and of his streak of attending 93 consecutive NCAA post season UK Basketball games all over the USA. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for everyone he met. He loved to play golf and hang out with his boys, Tressie and army of friends, while always offering unconditional support however it was needed to family and loved ones. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a loyal friend to all.
A life well lived indeed…
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tress Fountain Nichols; sons, Casey Nichols and Mitchell Nichols (Drayton); grandchildren, Emma and Brooks Nichols; sisters-in-law, Janis Fountain, Lynda Averack (Richard) and Jacqueline Nichols; nieces, Kathy Gunter, Taylor Gunter & Kendall McCurley (Jamie); nephew, Andy Nichols (Danielle); and numerous other nieces and nephews, family members and lifelong friends.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, sister, Betty Nichols O’Bryant; his beloved brother, Gerald Nichols (The Chief); and In-laws, Charles and Adele Fountain
A Memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, January 25 from 5pm to 8pm at Timuquana Country Club, 4028 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to: The Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224; please designate “For Brain Cancer Research”
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