Franklin D. “Frank” Nichols, age 87, of Shelbyville, Tenn., passed from this life Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Frank was born in Shelbyville in 1936 to the late Jim and Annie Mae Nichols. Along with his wife Alice they started “Handy-Dandy Market” where they worked tirelessly for over 50 years before retiring in 2013. His desire to provide for his family a steadfast, work ethic and caring for his customers was unsurpassed. In that store was where Frank and Alice provided for their family, created educational opportunities for their children and grandchildren, and educated his immediate and extended family members on the virtues of dedication, caring for others, and being a man of your word.
Many knew Frank as the merchant whose store had everything, or he would get anything you might need on any day and at almost any time of the day. For many years, while his health allowed it, Frank was known to ride his mowers on his property and always had a quick story for anyone who stopped by for a visit.
He was survived by: loving wife of 67 years, Alice Yvonne Sons Nichols; two daughters, Vicki (Mark) Cornwell of Jacksonville, Fla., and Candy Beech of Shelbyville. Granddaughters, Britany and Timmy Pittenger of Kelso, Tenn., and Amy (Aaron) Milstone of Franklin, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Daisy Pittenger and Emma Rae Pittenger, Bradley, Lauren, and Benjamin Milstone.
Including his parents, Frank was preceded in death by three siblings, Earl Nichols, William Nichols and Mary Ruth Simmons.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with Pastor Ronald Adams officiating.
Visitation with the family will be held 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Doak-Howell Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation @ www.jdrf.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.