Pete Colonias Nichols, Jr.

Pete Colonias Nichols Jr., age 89, passed from this earthly life and entered eternal life Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Pete was born on February 10, 1936, to the late Pete Colonias Nichols Sr. and Ethel Marie Logan Nichols in Anton, Kentucky. Pete was a graduate of Rosenwald High School in Madisonville, Kentucky, where he played on the basketball team. After graduation, Pete lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. He became the first black owner of a gas service station. He went to work for General Motors Allison Transmission, where he retired after more than forty years. He remained a consultant for five years. Pete was very involved in his family life. He tried to teach them to live by “The Golden Rule.” To treat everyone right and see the positive in every situation. He enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, and socializing with family and friends. He professed a belief in Christ at an early age and was of the Baptist faith. Pete will be dearly missed and long remembered by all of us.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Lynn “Petie” Nichols; five brothers, George (Revella) Nichols, John Henry (Frankie) Nichols, Leroy (Yvonne) Nichols, J.C. Nichols, Carlene (Joanetta) Nichols; two sisters, Effie N. (Charles) Buell and Nell Nichols.

Pete Colonias Nichols Jr., leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Nannie Pearl (Morrow) Nichols; one son, Carl William Hightower; three stepsons, Steve Mack, David Mack, and Edward Mack (Madisonville, Kentucky); three step daughters, Delilah Taylor (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kim Tandy, Kaniaha Mack (Madisonville, Kentucky); three sisters in law, Eula Drake Nichols (Atlanta, GA), Algia Morrow, Wanda Morrow (Madisonville, Kentucky; two brothers in law, William (Deborah) Morrow, and Thomas Morrow (Madisonville, Kentucky); eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, seven nieces, five nephews, and other family and friends; along with his pet dog that he loved, Babygirl. Pete will be sadly missed but will live on in our hearts forever.