Gilbert William "Nick" Nichols, 84, of Tavares, FL passed away on September 2, 2021 after a long bout of ill health.

Nick was born June 30, 1937 in Chattanooga, TN to Gilbert Urch and Bernice Bailey Nichols. He grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1955. He joined the Air National Guard just days after reaching his 17th birthday and served until the late 1960's.

Mr. Nichols' civic activities included East Brainerd Optimist Club, Chattanooga Jr Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis International. He was President of the the Mt. Dora Kiwanis Club in 2006 and Division 9 Florida Lt. Governor for Kiwanis in2009-2010. While serving as Lt. Governor he started the Safe Harbor Kiwanis Club of Tavares. He was named Outstanding Florida Lt. Governor for 2009 -2010. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America serving as Scoutmaster for his son's troop for years. He was proud of wearing out a van and truck hauling scouts or church youth to various activities!

Mr. Nichols was employed by Sears Roebuck and Company for over 30 years; retiring as a Regional Credit Manager. After retiring and moving to Florida he found his true calling as a show conductor of the Mt. Dora Doodlebug and the steam engine train that ran between Mt. Dora and Tavares. This was his favorite career.

Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 56 years Patricia Nothdurft Nichols;  children Shari (Stuart) Clifton, Steven Nichols, and Tricia (Trina) Nichols; grandchildren Benjamin Clifton, William Clifton, Noah Nichols, and Katelynn Nichols. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Nichols, of Chattanooga, TN.

Mr. Nichols was most recently a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Dora. It was a source of pride for him that he had been a Ruling Elder in 4 different churches. There will be a private service. In lieu of flower tributes the family requests donations be made to Kiwanis International, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.