D. Milton Nichols

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch

Dutch Milton Nichols, 90, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Maples Memorial United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Blocker Cemetery. Rev. Tom Buckley and Rev. Kerry Powell will officiate.

Mr. Nichols moved to Olive Branch, MS in 1945 and graduated from Olive Branch High School in 1953. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of ATO fraternity and a Campus Senator. During the summer of 1955, he volunteered with the United States Forestry Service as a forest fire fighter in Oregon. He graduated from Ole Miss in 1957 with a B.A degree in Banking and Finance. After graduation, Mr. Nichols worked for the 1st National Bank in Memphis and then the United States Treasury Department where he was Assistant Comptroller of the Currency. During this period, he also enrolled in the Southern Law University program, affiliated with Memphis State University, receiving a law degree in 1962. After opening Olive Branch Insurance Company in 1968, Mr. Nichols made the decision to enter local Olive Branch politics and was first elected Alderman in 1973 and served until 1977. In 1977, he was elected Mayor of Olive Branch and continued through five terms of service until 1997. During his tenure as Mayor, Mr. Nichols guided the City of Olive Branch through unprecedented growth and expansion. He was instrumental in the establishment of the City Park, acquisition of the Wesson House, and the Olive Branch Airport. He actively pursued any project or business, which could benefit the citizens of Olive Branch. He continued his public service in 2011 when he was elected to the Desoto County School Board representing District 1. Mr. Nichols remained a devoted member of the Board until 2023.

Mr. Nichols joined Maples Memorial United Methodist Church in 1957 and served on various committees, often a chairperson during his years of membership. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of numerous clubs and civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies included painting, gardening, history and talking. He literally never met a stranger and always had a smile. He was generous, devoted to his family and friends, and unfailingly kind. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all.

Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his parents, Vea and D. Frank Nichols; son, Keith Nichols and brothers, Harold Nichols and William Nichols.

He is survived by his wife, Dorgie Nichols of Olive Branch; daughter, Cindy White (Barry) of Germantown, TN; grandson, Rhett Armistead (Ginger) of Olive Branch; great-granddaughter, Emily Armistead of Olive Branch; sister, Sandra Shassere of Norris, TN and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of traditional flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Maples Memorial United Methodist Church at (www.mapleschurch.org), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at (www.stjude.org) or to a charity of your choice.

In honor of his service to our great city, the City of Olive Branch flag will be flown at Coleman Funeral Home.