Richard D. Nichols

Richard Nichols Obituary

NICHOLS Richard D. Nichols, born July 4th 1947, passed away Monday, October 14, 2002. Born in La Porte, Indiana, he grew up in Ocala, Florida, and graduated from the University of Florida 69 and Stetson University College of Law 73. He practiced law in Jacksonville for 29 years as a defense attorney as well as in family law, and took great pride in his work with adoptions. An enthusiastic classical guitar student, avid fly-fisherman, voracious reader, and skilled woodworker, he was a member of St. Johns Cathedral, Sigma Chi fraternity, and the Jacksonville Gun Club. His father, Robert L. Nichols, preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother, Norma Cains Nichols, daughter, Kathryn Rhett Nichols, sisters Nancy Nichols and Jane Waddington, four nieces and nephews, and many friends. The Right Reverend Frank S. Cerveny will lead a Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2002, at St. Johns Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Stetson University International Guitar Workshop (Patrece Robinson, 586-822-8957) for a scholarship in his memory, or to St. Johns Cathedral. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union from Oct. 18 to Oct. 22, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Nichols

14 Entries

Herb & Rita Gorman

November 9, 2002

We were very saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Nichols. He had helped us in the late 70's and again in the mid 90's. With almost 20 years between the time we needed his assistance, he still remembered us. He was truly a great asset to his profession and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Leslie Pardue Cubbage

October 25, 2002

When I first met Richard, he was just beginning his law career in 1973. He was incredibly funny and brash and had the most engaging personality and infectious smile of anyone I had ever met. It would be impossible for anyone who knew him not to love this man! My sincerest condolences to his family and many friends.

Matthew Moberg

October 24, 2002

Katie,

I know we haven't spoke in nine years, but when I heard about your loss, I had to tell you how sorry I am. Do you remember when your dad came to talk to our class at ACDS? I do. My father had so much resepect for your dad, as an attorney and as a man. I can't imagine how much pain you must feel, but just know that there are many people praying for you and your family. My parents tell me that you're doing great in school. Whenever your dad came to my parents office he would update them on how well you were doing, HE WAS SO PROUD OF YOU. My prayers are with you Katie, be strong.

October 21, 2002

What a beautiful service for such a deserving man. Thank you, Ernie Miller, for the portrait of Richard as well as your eulogy. I will cherish the card as I will the memories of this wonderful person whom I am honored to have touched my life.

We will all miss Richard. Somehow I know he was with us all today and so very proud of his Katie. He is now somewhere on a new adventure and I look forward to having him as the tour guide he is when we meet him again.

Thanks for all, Richard.

Robert Link

October 21, 2002

I regret that I was out of town when Richard passed away. I came to know him in the late '70's as a fellow criminal defense attorney. Richard was known for unorthodox trial tactics and brilliant final arguments. His summations often crowded courtrooms in Jacksonville. I learned from him, and he was the first to formally congratulate me on my venture into private practice from the Public Defender's Office. He was a colorful lawyer, and he'll be sorely missed.

Paul Ivice

October 21, 2002

I was saddened to learn today of Richard's passing. My condolences to his family. He was one of the nicer guys I have met during my years as a reporter covering the courts and legal community. I first met Richard around 1996 when I was a reporter covering a trial in which he was defending someone accused of murder, but I got to know him much better much more recently when we had several conversations about the law and other things that interested him, especially guitars.

Paul Ivice

Lisa Chacon

October 21, 2002

What a loss. What words do you use to describe the empty feeling. Katie - although I never met you, I feel like I know you. Your Dad and I never failed to update one another on the accomplishments of our daughters. You were his pride and joy, I can tell you that. What a dear friend he was to me, and what a void in my heart. God Bless you, and the entire family. My prayers are with you all. Richard, I miss you. You are truly a legacy. I'm so thankful I had the honor of knowing you and calling you my friend.

Sharon Ketts

October 20, 2002

Katie, I met your Dad at the workshop several years ago. We laughed, joked, enjoyed the music and the company of so many guitarists. We would also meet when he left his lesson with Steve and I was just arriving. He always had a smile and a joke, and he always spoke about you with great pride. My husband and I spent time with him in Charleston at GFA and really enjoyed his company. I'll miss seeing him at lessons and the workshop. He was a great guy. Our love to you. Sharon and Jeff Ketts

Jay Terry

October 20, 2002

Richard was my friend. We shared laughs over fine cigars and music with classical guitars. We spoke of God, Buddhism, Taoism and the need for all belief systems to finally get past their concepts and accept the fact that God is Love only and not fear and that we are all different. He gave me a library of books dedicated to that notion and I will forever cherish them because that was the man that I experienced. Renaissance man Richard playing his sweet Swedish folk songs and telling dirty jokes. He taught me to skeet shoot and break better on the pool table... Man ... I'll miss him!

October 18, 2002

Katie,

Your Dad always carried you in his pocket. He would BEAM when speaking of you and everyone he knew followed your development. I'll never forget the day I saw him at jail when he told me you were admitted at Mass Tech. He was beyond words and the pride he had in you I'll never forget.

Your Dad was one heck of a special guy. Smart? You know that. Please carry on knowing that you were his beacon. He is not gone, he is just away.

I'll miss seeing your Dad along Bay Street. I'll miss his ever interesting conversation and gentle manner.

You'll always have a song in your heart because he will always be there playing a pretty one for you.

My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Cheryl (Bowen) Casey

October 18, 2002

Richard will truly be missed. He was the first person I met when I moved to Ocala, FL when I was sixteen and we remained friends and neighbors all throughout high school. My heart goes out to Ginger, Janie and Nancy for their loss. The whole Bowen, Williams & Casey families have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dave & Barb Lingerfelt

October 18, 2002

Renaissance Man - Richard Nichols

The day dawns gray with storm and clouds,

Although this world wears a shroud,

For today an angel did appear,

To bring home forever,

A friend - so dear.

His words, his deeds will remain,

Like glowing embers tempered by the rain,

For his work and passions he gave us all,

A full measure, he stood tall, nor hollow,

Weeping now, we ask how,

For he has given us a mark to follow,

Your wood, your music, awaits you now,

The Master calls, he has a plan,

Build for Him - Renaissance Man

Psy & Social Work Ser MCSB

October 18, 2002

From all the staff that works with Jane we send our thoughts and prayers to the family.

LuAnna Fox

October 18, 2002

Richard brought light into my life! I could not have had a better friend than this dear man and I will miss him always.

My sympathies to all of his loved ones, especially Katie (Rhett). Please know that I will always be available for you, as Richard was for me, anytime of the day and for any reason.

Love,

Lu

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