Nathaniel Nichols Sr. was born on December 27, 1941 in Kendrick, Florida (Marion County) to the Late Matthew Nichols and Rosetta Tucker Nichols. Mr. Nichols was a 1960 graduate of Chisholm High School in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where he excelled academically and was also a member of the football team and played the tuba in the band.

After graduating high school, Nathaniel chose a career path that would allow him to proudly serve his country and travel the world. He enlisted in the United States.

Air Force in 1961 where he had the privilege to serve at various duty stations to include, Thailand, Korea, Bentwaters Air Force Base Suffolk, England, Little Rock Air Force Base , Arkansas, Clark Air Force Base Manila, Philippines, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sembach AFB Germany, Eglin Air Force Base Florida, Anderson Air Force Base Guam, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and his final duty station at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Nathaniel obtained the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) and become known as "Chief Nichols". While in the military, he played Intramural Football and coached Youth Football at his various duty stations. Nathaniel retired from the Air Force in 1988 after serving almost 27 years for his country. Nathaniel knew that higher education was the key to a successful career. He matriculated at Troy State University while serving in the military. He later attended Albany State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Nathaniel had a desire to make a difference in the lives of our children and began his professional career as a teacher in the Dougherty County School System where he taught at Southside Middle School, Dougherty High School, and Radium Middle School, he retired from teaching in 2006 after serving faithfully for 10 years. While teaching, he met and married his current wife, Josephine Webb Nichols in 1998. Nathaniel later joined Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. JA Severson where he served faithfully as the Superintendent of Sunday School for 15 years and was also a Deacon and Usher. He served both capacities in his church until his health declined. Nathaniel was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, travelling, grilling, and spending time with family. He had the gift of gab and never met a stranger.

Most importantly, Nathaniel was a God-fearing man who deeply loved his family and serving humanity. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Eta Omicron Graduate Chapter and a long-time member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge.

He was proceeded in death by his father Matthew Nichols of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, his mother Rosetta Tucker Nichols of Ocala, Florida, his sister Alfreda Tucker of Ocala, Florida, his brother Horace Nichols of Ocala, Florida, and his granddaughter Qunia L. Roberts of Leesburg, Georgia. Nathaniel 's surviving family members include his loving wife of 27 years, Josephine Webb Nichols of Leesburg, GA , children, Nathaniel Nichols, Jr. of Leesburg, GA, Eric Henderson (Shinelle) of Jonesboro, GA, Melita Nichols Lewis (Tony) of Leesburg, GA, Stephanie Henderson Lloyd (Romunda) of Garfield, GA, Courtney Webb of Albany, GA, and Shaniya Rose Nichols of Leesburg, GA .
Grandchildren, Javon Henderson of Jonesboro, GA, Jonathan K. Walker, Jr of Leesburg, GA, Rochelle Henderson of Jonesboro, GA Ta'Lynn & Jalonie of Albany, GA. His sisters Lois Gardner of Philadelphia, PA, Laverne Rudolph, Joyce Ann Johnson, Rudene "Peggy" Tucker, all of Ocala, Florida and a host of loving relatives and friends.