Richard Nicholls, Sr.

Born in Vicksburg, MS

Resided in Nashville, TN

Richard McMain Nicholls, Sr., age 89, passed away January 26, 2015.

Richard was born in Vicksburg, MS, on August 31,1925 to Benjamin Frank Nicholls and Doris Gage McMain Nicholls. One of nine children, he scooped ice cream and pumped gas for 10 cents an hour at age 14 when his father died unexpectedly, and the 6 boys had to support the family. Enlisting in the Army Air Force one day before his 18th birthday in 1944, he joined his 4 older brothers serving in WWII. He participated in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign seeing service in India assisting pilots flying over the Himalayan Mountains, or "Over the Hump", and into China. Returning from service, he worked as Clinic Administrator at Mercy Hospital Street Clinic from 1948 until 1970 and as Clinic Administrator at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic until his retirement. After retirement, he was a volunteer at St. Thomas Hospital for 20 years.

He is survived by the absolute love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Patricia Cook Nicholls; daughter Suzanne N. Cooper (Dr. Seth); son Richard M. Nicholls, Jr. (Patricia); grandchildren Claire Cooper, Richard Nicholls III (Theresa), Jonathan Nicholls, Laura Nicholls, Matthew Nicholls (Danielle) and great grandchildren Emily, Audrey, and Ethan Nicholls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a remembrance to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 12-2 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville (615) 646-9292