Wallace E. “Wally” “Nick” Nichols, 88, of East Smithfield, PA, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 following a period of declining health.
He was born on May 16, 1932 in Sayre, PA the son of the Donald Nichols and Gertrude (French) Nichols.
Nick graduated from Smithfield High School, Class of 1950, and Alfred State College in 1952. He was the Owner of Nichols Brothers Farms, partnering with his father. He was a well-known Farmer and Cattle Dealer in the area and was Part Owner of the Valley Stockyards, Inc., Athens. Nick drove a school bus for 17 years for the Athens School District and worked for State Line Auto. He was very active in his community serving as Police Chief and Tax Assessor for Smithfield Township. Nick was an Assistant Boy Scout Leader.
Nick was an avid traveler and enjoyed snowmobiling. He loved spending time with his family at the cabin, enjoyed being outdoors and mowing his yard. He was a steak enthusiast. He was a Charter Member of the Tri-Township EMS, a Volunteer Firefighter for Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, and an Athens Area School Board Member for 12 years. He was a 50-year member of the Mason Trojan Lodge #306, Troy, PA.
He is predeceased by his son; Brian D. Nichols, daughter; Teresa Nichols Lennon, grandsons; Dustin D. Vandergrift, Joshua D. Stevens, and Larry W. Nichols, Jr., granddaughter; Baby Girl Nichols and the mother of his children; Wilma J. Jackson Nichols.
Wallace is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years; Jean (Keeler) Nichols, children; Larry W. (Barbara) Nichols of East Smithfield, PA, Pamela (Robert) Clarke of Apalachin, NY, Alan J. (Elaine) Nichols of Palm Harbor, FL, and Lisa L. Nichols of East Smithfield, PA, stepsons; Jeffrey (Loreice) Walter of Wake Forrest, NC, Gregory (Cheryl) Walter of Athens, PA, and Jeremy (Christine) Walter of Jupiter, FL, grandchildren; Heather (Jamie) Westbrook, Jennifer (Louis) Judson, Luke (Heather) Nichols, Brock (Rachel) Nichols, Jeremy (Tasha) Nichols, Nicole (Peter) LaMariana, Ashley (Michael) Kelley, Michelle (Adam) Bancroft, Christopher (Leanne) Nichols, Jessica (Shawn) Fontaine, Brittany Lennon, and Amanda Holbert, step grandfather of Alex, Michael, Lauren, James, and Catherine Walter, 18 great grandchildren, and 4 step great grandchildren.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 11am-12pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral services will follow at 12pm at the funeral home. According to current COVID-19 CDC guidelines, masks will be required for the visitation and service.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, East Smithfield, PA.
Memorial donations may be made in Wallace’s name to: Tri-Township EMS, 16145 Berwick Turnpike, Gillett, PA 16925 or Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 81, East Smithfield, PA 18817.
