Milton Eugene Nichols

CWA Ex Executive Vice-President Milton E (Nick) Nichols Emeritus, Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, died June 18th after a long illness. Nick began his career working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman and served as a CWA elected official for fifty-one consecutive years starting as a Local Steward in Houston, Texas, was elected as Houston Local 6222 President, was elected as Executive Vice President to the National CWA in 1980 and retired from that position in 1998. He was given the title of Emeritus by a unanimous vote from CWA convention delegates for his many years of dedication and service to CWA members.

Nick was a man to call to get things done. He was cited by the American Red Cross, United Way and other non-profits for his help in providing volunteers and securing supplies and equipment across the country during national disasters. He traveled across the globe meeting with Corporate and Labor leaders who respected his dedication to making life better for all. As a Texas A&M graduate, Nick loved his Aggies, loved fishing, and vowed to move where the dumb fish were as he had already found the smart ones.

Nick was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Nichols from Anna Maria Island, Florida, and his daughter, Linda Berry, from Little Rock, Arkansas. He is survived by is loving wife, Elda Y. Smith-Nichols, his daughter Donna Parfait, Colorado Springs, Colorado, stepson Lowell C. Smith, Quincy, Massachusetts, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. We love and miss you. You remain in our hearts and may you now rest in God’s arms.

A memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lake Christian Ministries or to Good Neighbors of Smith Mountain Lake. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake is assisting the family.