Carl D. Nichols ("Nick"), 78, of Beaverton, Michigan and New Port Richey, Florida, passed away Sunday, Oct. 18th. Born in Pikeville Tennessee to Leslie and Ollie Nichols, he was sharing his retirement years with his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Scarbrough) Nichols. Carl was passionate about his work, and spent most of his career at Ford Motor Company, retiring after 31 years in 1986 as a Supply Chain Director. While working at Ford, Carl earned his bachelor's degree in 1970 at the University of Detroit. After his work at Ford, he was the President of Premier Steel, where he ran the company for 16 years. His favorite pastimes were golf and spending time with his family. He enjoyed frequent gatherings - having dinners, boating (where he was known as "Captain Carl"), and watching sports. Over the years, Carl and Pat enjoyed travel together - They visited Scotland, England, Mexico and Aruba. Carl is survived by his wife and best friend, Patricia (Scarbrough) Nichols and three daughters and their families; Karen Wahl, husband Scott and daughter Sylvia of Newport, Michigan; Dawn Harbison of Pinckney, Michigan and daughter Meggin of Brighton, Michigan; and Beth Hagerty and husband Patrick, also of Pinckney, as well as Beth's step-daughters Samantha, Taylor, Morgan, Alexandra, and step-son, Patrick III as well as Beth's 3 step granddaughters Alissa, Keira, and Lena. Carl is also survived by his brother Don Nichols and wife Penny of Norwalk, Ohio, his sister Eve Comstock and husband Jim of The Villages, Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Ann, and both parents, Leslie and Ollie Nichols. Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all he met along life's journey. He had few acquaintances and many friends. He always made himself available to give advice and a smile. A celebration of Carl's life will be held at the Howe-Peterson funeral home in Dearborn, Michigan. The date of the event is Saturday, November 21, 2015. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674.
