J. Hugh Nichols

J. Hugh Nichols, age 85, of Maplesville, AL, passed away on December 8, 2015. Mr. Nichols was born in Sprott, AL. He served in the U.S. Army and completed a BS in Political Science at University of Alabama before moving to Maryland. Mr. Nichols had an avid interest in serving the public and in 1968 was elected to the Howard County Council. From 1971 to 1978 Mr. Nichols was elected to serve as a Maryland State Delegate and from 1978 to 1986 was elected to serve as Howard County Executive. For a short time in 1986, Mr. Nichols was a candidate for the Maryland State Governor. In 1986, Mr. Nichols took a position with a utility conglomerate, Entergy, in New Orleans, LA. In the 1990s, Mr. Nichols interest took him abroad to work on a free market plan in Poland. He then spent many years working with the firm of Mendez England Associates dispensing economic development plans in Eastern Europe, predominately Albania where he established many lasting friendships before retiring to his home in Maplesville, AL. In addition to his other accomplishments, he served as the Maryland Deputy Secretary for State Budget and Planning. Mr. Nichols helped form the Maryland State Lottery in the 1970s and served on the initial Lottery Board of Louisiana in the 1990s. Mr. Nichols is survived by his Sons, Duane A. (Sharon) Nichols of Eldersburg, MD, G. Hugh (Ellie) Nichols of Maplesville, AL, Jonathan G. Nichols of Maplesville, AL; Daughter, Sharon N. Hosch of Slidell, LA; Brother, Paul A. (Leona) Nichols of Sprott, AL; Grandchildren: Jason, Amy, Justin, Julia, Staci, David, Matthew, Oliver, Patrick, Christina, Jennifer and Michael and Great Grandchildren: Megan, Brianna, Lexy, Connor, Hayden, Halie, Cole and Abigail. Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his Wife, Annie Sue Nichols; Son, John Dorsey; Daughter-n-Law, Rosemary Dorsey; Son-n-Law, Harold Hosch, Jr.; Son-n-Law, Robert Protasi. Friends will be received from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Martin Funeral Home, Clanton, AL. Services will be held Friday, December 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Cox Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Cox Chapel United Methodist Cemetery, Maplesville, AL. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department. Martin Funeral Home directing. You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at our website. www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com