Donald Franklin Nichols

Mr. Donald Franklin Nichols, age 81, passed away June 23, 2026.

Mr. Nichols was born November 12, 1944, in Rockmart, Georgia, son of the late James Calvin “J.C.” Nichols and Lois Mae Benefield.

Mr. Nichols lived all of his life in Polk County, Georgia. He was a dedicated member of Friendly Baptist Church. He had a long and fulfilling career at Ford Motor Company as a fork lift operator, and retired after thirty years. He was an avid outdoorsman and particularly enjoyed smoking BBQ, fishing, and hunting. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Nichols is preceded in death by his daughters: Barbara Sue “Susie” Nichols, and Donna Cindy Nichols Smith.

Mr. Nichols is survived by his children: Tonya Peterson (Josh), Scott Carden (Erica), and Charity Cody (Henry “Hank”); eight grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services to honor his life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Smith & Miller Funeral Home with Reverend Randy Vines and Reverend Eddie Benefield officiating.

Interment will follow in Eastview Baptist Church Cemetery.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Dustin Nichols, Ethan Glover, Ridge Carden, Danny Robinson, Jacob Cody, and Dillin Rickman.

Mr. Nichols’ family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home, beginning at 11:00 AM until the service hour.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Donald Franklin Nichols.