John Morgan Nichols

NICHOLS,John Morgan, 88, of Montgomery, AL, known to his family as Daddy Nick and to his church friends as Mr. John, died peacefully on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at a local hospital surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Crenshaw County, AL, on December 6, 1922, he was the oldest son of John D and Victoria McLeod Nichols who preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Lee Mayo Nichols. They would have proudly celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in April of this year.
He is also survived by his brother Lifford Nichols and sister and brother-in-law Gladys and Charles Sport, all of Luverne, AL; his daughters Joan Nichols Sledge and husband James, Jo Nichols Cochran and husband Douglas, Jan Nichols Honsberger and husband Peter, and chosen daughter Kayren Pittman; his grandchildren Joanna Sledge Weintraub and husband Herman, Privott Sledge Stroman and husband Steven, John Nichols Cochran and wife Amy, Jessica Cochran, Laura Honsberger and Jacob Honsberger, and his chosen grandchildren Powell Pittman and Elizabeth Pittman; his great-grandchildren Rebecca Weintruab, Daniel Morgan Weintraub, Andrew Cochran, and Allison Lee Stroman; numerous nieces and nephews and his large and loving St. James United Methodist Church family. He is remembered by his family and friends as a strong man of honor, wisdom and faithfulness who was always supportive of his extended community.
He began his career at 18 years old as a shipping clerk at Burroughs Business Machines, now knows as Unisys Corporation, retiring as service manager 42 years later. In this capacity he installed some of the first computers in Alabama, often taking up the entire building basements of Alabama state office buildings and local banks. He proudly served his country for three years during World War II in the Quartermaster Corps of the United States Army, with service in the Philippines, New Caledonia and in occupied Japan. He especially enjoyed the training and care of service dogs, remaining a “dog whisperer” for the rest of his life. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion.
Upon his retirement from Unisys, he began his second career as Building Supervisor at St. James United Methodist Church. He served in this capacity for 28 years, up until his death. His title minimizes his role at the church as he was honorary grandfather to the children of the St. James Christian Preschool, advisor and counselor to the church staff, and devoted friend and supporter of the entire church family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at St. James United Methodist Church, 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the Darien Primitive Baptist Church, Patsburg Highway, Luverne, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint James United Methodist Church, attention Scooter Leonard,
Executive Director.