Edward A. "Ed" Nichols Jr.

Edward A. (Ed) Nichols, Jr., age 80, of Ocala, Florida, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025, at Paddock Ridge Assisted Living in Ocala. Edward was born in Tampa, Florida, to Edward A. Nichols, Sr. and Janie Isabel Haygood. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1962 and continued his studies at Central Florida Jr. College, now known as College of Central Florida, and a number of other colleges and institutes, including degrees from the Dale Carnegie Institute. He began his newspaper career with the Ocala Star Banner in the circulation department and quickly moved into various management roles at several mid-Florida newspapers prior to being named publisher. His publishing career journeyed him throughout the United States, finally retiring as a publisher from the New York Times. During his newspaper career he served on the boards of and sponsored many charity events, raising needed funds and receiving many honorary titles. Edward is survived by his daughter Karen (Frank Ed) Grant and his son Travis (Judy) Nichols, both of whom currently reside in Ft. McCoy, Florida, and his sister Alma (Rick) Abbott of Jackson, Georgia, as well as eleven grandchildren including Allison (Kyle) Stender, Jacob (Taylor) Grant, Kimberly (Ashton) Warner, T.J. (Kelley) Nichols, Laura (Joshua) Jones, Lydia and Liam Nichols, Dawn Nichols, Candice (Eric) Sutterby, Michelle (Toby Britt) Nichols ; twenty-two great grandchildren Raegan and Leighton Stender, Haydin and Tatum Grant, Grant Warner, Declan and Rowan Nichols, Preston, Austin , Jordan, and Nathan Coomer, Seren and Lilly Carpenter; one great great grandchild, Jasper Coomer; and nephews Nick (Michelle) Garlin and Isaac (Sara) Abbott. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and his sons Steve, Chris, and Edward A. (Nick) Nichols and nephew, Kevin Abbott.