It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Larry Nichols Sr. announces his passing at his home on Friday September 21, 2018 at the age of 76. He was born on January 6, 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He lived in Miami, FL in his early years and his family settled in Cleveland, Tennessee.
He attended Arnold Elementary and graduated from Bradley Central High School in the Class of 1959. He was a businessman and entrepreneur and had an engineering mind. He worked in the DC electric… Read More » motor repair business for many years.
His passion for fitness and exercise led him to design, co-develop, and patent a line of exercise machines for strength training, conditioning, and rehabilitation. The line of equipment was trademarked “Tru-Line” and was marketed and sold to professional and collegiate sports teams, military (including Navy ship installations), gyms, fitness facilities, and individuals from all over the world. He had nicknames by friends and was known for his sense of humor.
He was dedicated to the Tennessee Volunteer Football Program and to Volunteer men’s and women’s basketball programs. He began his workout and running program in 1961. He was committed to a lifetime of healthy living and fitness.
He was often a coach, physical trainer, and inspiration to many others. He was a loving, fun-loving, selfless, and optimistic father. His positive attitude, mental strength, will to live, physical conditioning, love and support from his wife, family and friends, medical intervention, prayer, and spirituality gave him more time on this Earth.
He will forever be missed. He is survived by his wife Lorye Gibson Nichols and their daughter Alec Chandler Nichols. He is also survived by his former wife Elizabeth Pat Nichols and their children Jennifer Nichols Shu (Calvin Shu), Raymond Nichols II (Kathy Green) and Jeffery Nichols (Linda Franklin).
He has four Grandchildren: Nadia Nichols, Derek Nichols, Taylor Nichols and Brandon Nichols. He has close-to-heart cousins Charles Adams and Maurine Gregory. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ernest Nichols of Maryville, TN and Lauriette Mae Adams of Key West, FL and by his grandparents John Berlin and Annie Cedell Adams, whom he adored.
He and his family have many happy memories in the Florida Keys. He requested no service. The family intends to have a “celebration of life” gathering to be announced at a later time.
Memorial donations in his name can be made to the American Heart Association. You are invited to share a personal memory of Raymond or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Nichols family with these arrangements.
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