Orville Lee "Nick/Ike" Nichols, Sr., 78, of Laurel, passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 12, 1933 in Salisbury, a son of the late Earl T. Nichols and Lillian Parker Nichols. Nick proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a member of the Delmar VFW, Post 8276. After fulfilling his duties in the Army, he went to work for Kraft Foods in Dover, a job he held for 32 years and served as Chief Steward for the union for many years. He was a lover of country music and sports. He was instrumental in starting the Delmar Senior Baseball League and was one of the first coaches. He truly enjoyed supporting the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandson and never missed a game or practice. He also loved the beach and cherished memories made traveling with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Janet Marie Nichols; two sons, Orville Lee Nichols, Jr. of Delmar and Michael Earl Nichols and his wife Cindy of Parsonsburg; a daughter, Anita Marie Nichols and her fiancé, Donald Freitas of Rotunda West, Florida; a daughter-in-law, Penny Nichols of Delmar; three grandchildren, Alecia Nicole Nichols of Delmar, Travis Allen Nichols of Delmar, and Darren Tyler Nichols of Parsonsburg; a great grandson, Damon Isaiah Nichols; an uncle, Merrill Nichols of Marion, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles W. Nichols and two sisters, Frances Hudson and Sylvia Adkins. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Stephens Cemetery in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.