Earl Nichols

Graveside services and interment with military honors for Earl Young Nichols, age 90, of Cookeville, will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 15th, at Algood City Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 precautions, social distancing measures will be observed and masks are required. Earl passed away Monday, October 12, 2020, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born February 7, 1930, in Cookeville to the late James and Cora Lee Nichols. Earl was a veteran of the US Army. He enrolled at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (before it became TTU), earning a bachelor's degree in Social Science in 1953, and in 1959 became the school's first recipient of a master's degree. He earned his graduate degree in education and taught at Park View Elementary School. Later, he worked for the TN Department of Education before becoming an entrepreneur as the owner of Nichols Wholesale Jewelry in Cookeville. Earl was a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was an avid farmer, traveler, and golfer; a ham radio operator; a scuba diver; and an instrument-rated private pilot. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Dunavin Nichols; sister, Reba Stamps; and three brothers, Glen, John, and Bobby Nichols. He is survived by his son, Rusty Nichols of San Diego, CA; and special friend, Amy Gentry; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rails to Trails Conservancy at railstotrails.org Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931) 526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.