Cecil Nichols

Cecil Nichols PANACEA - Cecil Nichols, 78, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Tallahassee, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lona Nichols. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. In his life he had many accomplishments. He was owner and operator of his own business for many, many years. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Highway Patrol Auxiliary and a deacon at Panacea Full Gospel Church. He was the first president of the Panacea water system. While serving in the United States Army, he was part of a team that tested the atom bomb and was one of the first Geiger counter operators. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. EDT Friday, March 13, at Panacea Full Gospel Church in Panacea, Florida. Burial will follow in Panacea Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT today, March 12, at Harvey-Young Funeral Home (850-926-3333) in Crawfordville, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Lighthouse, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309. He is survived by three sons, Glenn Strickland, Rody Strickland and Lesley Cecil Smith; one daughter, Judy Smith; grandchildren, John "JJ" Strickland, Glenn Whaley, Rody Guy Strickland, Donnie Strickland, Ashly Brently and Alysha Strickland; 9 great-grandchildren; five sisters, Hannah Harrell, Janette Fragakis, Liz Cloud, Ruthie Paterson and Kathleen Keller; and one brother, Oscar Nichols. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnnie and Libby Nichols; brothers, Robert, Jim and Norman Nichols; and a sister, Angeline Harrell.