Earl W Nichols' Obituary
Earl Wilson Nichols, Jr. was born February 8, 1923, in Okolona, Mississippi, and passed away in his home in Memphis on July 18, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Birdie Wade Nichols. Growing up in Jackson, Tennessee, Earl and Birdie were married on December 5, 1942, during World War II where he served as a sergeant in the Army Air Force serving in the 561st AAF Base Unit. He was an active member of Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Elder, and participated in numerous outreach ministries including sandwich ministry and Room in the Inn for the homeless. Earl was employed by Lance Incorporated for over 35 years. After his retirement, he continued his life of service as a member of the White Station Optimist Club and volunteer at the annual Pink Palace Craft Fair. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing with his sons and grandchildren, gardening, wood working, and antique shopping with Birdie. He is survived by three children, Joe Nichols (Treda), Nan Kelley (Lee) and Don Nichols (Sharon), 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Nichols will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, July 21 from 9:00-10:00AM with the funeral service to follow at 10:00AM. There will be a procession to the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Forest Hill Irene Road for a recognition service to begin at 11:30 in the Rotunda in honor of his service to our Country. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the charity of donors choice.
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