Howard Hunter Nichols Sr.

Howard Hunter Nichols died peacefully January 24, 2015 at The Orchard in Ridgeland, 12 days after the death of his wife and soulmate of 70 years, Betty Jane Martin Nichols. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and physician to generations of children and families in Mississippi.

Dr. Nichols was born October 27, 1922, in Nashville, TN, to Ruth Blakemore and Sidney Howard Nichols. He attended Duncan School in Nashville, where he was class president. He received both his BA and MD degrees from Vanderbilt University. He did his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He served as a captain in the Medical Corps during World War II and the Korean War. Dr. Nichols was the personal military physician to General Joseph Stillwell and Major General Frank Merrill of Merrill’s Marauders.

On July 1, 1946, he married Betty Jane Martin, the love of his life, and in 1953 they moved to Jackson. Together they were founding members, teachers and ruling elders of Covenant Presbyterian Church. They have been members of Briarwood Presbyterian Church since 2008.

Dr. Nichols practiced pediatrics with the Children’s Clinic of Jackson 1953-1984. He was Chief of Staff at MS Baptist Medical Center and after retiring from private practice, he served as the Director of the Outpatient Pediatric Clinics at University Medical Center. In 1986 he was chosen by senior medical students as the Clinical Professor of the Year, the highest teaching honor at the University. From 1972-1992 he was Examiner and Vice-President of the American Board of Pediatrics and also served as the pediatric representative on the American Board of Family Practice.

Dr. Nichols was a Board Member of the Mississippi Symphony and the United Way of Jackson. For many years he was a reader to the blind for Radio Reading Service of Mississippi. He led devotional services at Lakeland Health Center.

“Dr. Nick,” as he was affectionately known, loved children and was an advocate for their health and well-being, physically, emotionally and spiritually. After long days in the hospital and office, he often made house calls in the evening to those who could not afford medical care. He championed the Head Start program in Mississippi and tirelessly worked for the adoption of the Child Safety Restraint Law. His generosity of time, energy, and spirit enriched our world and leaves a huge legacy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Howard Hunter Nichols, brother Robert and nephews Marshall and Mike Nichols.

He is survived by his children Nancy McCurley (Tom) of Nashville, TN and Janie Nichols of Columbus, GA.

Dr. Nichols is also survive by grandchildren Joseph and Katrine McCurley of Oslo, Norway and Greer and Sarah McCurley of Lincoln NE. He is great grandfather to Markus and Kaya, Olivia and Thomas McCurley.

He is survived by brother Allen (Dot) Nichols of Nashville TN, brothers-and sisters-in laws Raymond and Margery Martin of Jackson MS and Ed and Hazel Martin of Lake Charles, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 27, 1:30-2:30 pm at the Orchard, 600 S Pear Orchard Rd. A Witness to the Resurrection celebrating his life will be held 10 am Wednesday, January 28 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Jackson, with visitation at the church beforehand at 9 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be given to Stewpot Ministries Prescription Fund established in his honor by his grandson.