Ralph Andrew Nichols

Ralph Andrew Nichols passed away at the age 73 years old on August 7^th, 2022 @ 12:00 p.m. in the home in which he raised his four kids and spent his golden years with his beloved and most honorable wife Theresa Heflin Nichols.  He spent the last days of his life surrounded by his wife of 11 years, children, grandchildren, and his great grandchildren when the lord called him home.

Mr. Nichols was born on March 7^th, 1949, to Reuben Boots Nichols & Ottelea Miller Nichols.  He was the youngest child of a family of nine.  His deceased siblings are Inease Nichols Jones, Herbert Leo Nichols, Walter Donnely Nichols, Billy Kenneth Nichols, and the surviving siblings are HD “Pete” Nichols, and Allen Odell Nichols. 

Ralph A. Nichols served his country by joining the U.S. Navy on September 18^th, 1968 and was released from duty and transferred to Naval Reserve on April 9^th, 1970. He served on the USS TICONDEROGA.    National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with device; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea- 69); Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.  He had a lifelong career and retired from TVA – Cumberland City, TN after 28 years.

He is survived by wife Theresa Heflin Nichols, 4 children, 18 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren as well as his daughters and sons in law.

Surviving children are…….

Ralph A. Nichols (son) & Michelle James Nichols (daughter in-law)

• Grandchild – Timothy James Whitfield (age 31)
• Grandchild – Kaci Andra Nichols (age 25)
  • Great Grandchild – Ledger Krew Nichols (age 4)
• Grandchild – Ralph Andrew Nichols III (Age 22}
• Grandchild – Donovan Jake Kendall (age 27)

Shanna Nichols Damesworth (daughter) & Matthew Damesworth (son-in law)

• Grandchild – Anastatia Faith Damesworth Hudson (age 27) & Adam Hudson
  • Great grandchild – Lilah Rayne Hudson (age 5)
  • Great grandchild - Luka Zayne Hudson (age 2)
• Grandchild – Clifton Andrew Damesworth (age25)
• Grandchild – Colton Gregory Damesworth (age 23)
  • Great Grandchild - Kyler Grace Damesworth (age 4)
• Grandchild – Margaret “Grace” Damesworth (age 18)
• Grandchild – Isabella ‘Hope” Damesworth (age 16)

Cori Nichols Hatley (daughter) & James Hatley (son-in law)

• Grandchild – Jamie Nichole Hatley Lagan (age 26) & Austin Lagan

• Great Grandchild - Dorothy Lou Lagan (age 1)
• Great Grandchild - Amelia Denise Lagan (age 3 months)

• Grandchild – Brittany Lynn Hatley (age 25)
• Grandchild - Elizabeth Marie Hatley (age 21)
• Grandchild - Emilee Rose Hatley (age 16)

Casey Emil Nichols (son) & Tonya Mae Wirgau Nichols (daughter-in law)

• Grandchild – Sadie Mae Nichols (age 9)
• Grandchild – Annalise Elizabeth Nichols (age 7)
• Grandchild – Malachi Emil Nichols (age 5)

Allison Terrell Paynter (daughter by marriage) & Mike Paynter

• Grandchild by marriage - Stephen Franklin Estes, Jr. (age 16)
• Grandchild by marriage - Hunter Briley Estes (age 15)

Ralph Nichols was a dedicated father and husband. He spent the last years of his life committed to serving the lord. He will be greatly missed, but he is smiling down on his family and friends.  The family is so thankful and blessed for the time we had here with him on earth.  We are even more thankful that he has crossed over to paradise to receive the blessings of God’s promises.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 at 5 P.M. at the Luff-Bowen Waverly Chapel. A visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service. Mr. Ralph's son, Casey Nichols will be officiating.