David Randolph Nichols Jr., 80, of Wiscasset, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 1, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on June 13, 1938 in Westboro, Massachusetts to David and Louise (Springer) Nichols. He was educated in Massachusetts and Wiscasset schools, and graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1956.

During and after high school he worked at the local service station fostering his love of cars, until he joined the U.S. Army and served until 1963. After the military, he went to work at Bath Iron Works as a pipefitter. He continued his career as a pipefitter, working at several New England paper mills, Maine Yankee, Vermont Yankee, Connecticut Yankee and Millstone Power, retiring in 1998 from Union Pipefitters Local 777.

David loved the Maine outdoors, whether it was snowmobiling in early years, piloting his plane, riding his motorcycle, golfing with his friends or pulling the grandchildren, nieces and nephews behind his boat. He was passionate about his hometown, and in retirement became active in town politics; serving on the ordinance review committee, budget committee and then becoming a town selectman. He was also a member of the Wiscasset American Legion, the Rod and Gun Association and the Bath Country Club. He loved puttering in his yard, whether driving his big tractor around his acre or using his plow to shovel his walk. David had a huge heart, and was always quick to help a family member or a neighbor.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Sharon (Linscott); his daughters, Penny (John) Gray of Raleigh, North Carolina, Patty (Tom) Minerich of Boothbay Harbor, and Shelly Nichols (Dan Stasiowski) of Land O’Lakes, Florida; sisters, Dianne Caton of Newcastle, Kathy (Bob) Kane of Merrysville, Michigan, and Elizabeth Nichols of Jacksonville, Florida; his grandsons, Stephen and Michael Gray of Seattle, Washington; granddaughter, Jessica (Chris) Sword of Boulder, Colorado; great-grandson, Ethan Sword of Boulder Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Barney.

A funeral will be held at the Wiscasset Congregational Church, 28 High St, Wiscasset on Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Midcoast Humane, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.   

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.