Gerald "Gerry" Lee Nichols

Gerald Lee Nichols, 81, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 17, 2017. He was a remarkable man who touched many lives with his kindness, humor and generosity. He was a true leader in the railroad industry that he helped define and within his own extended family that he helped guide. His presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him and his name forever revered by all who loved him. Gerry was born in Louisville, Kentucky on May 22, 1935, the son of Frank and Dorothy Nichols. Raised in Louisville, he graduated from Valley High School (Class of 1953) before arriving on the hallowed grounds of the University of Kentucky. In addition to receiving his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1958, he was a member and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He would go on to receive a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Louisville in 1968. He also completed additional studies at Northwestern, McGill University and the Wharton School of Business. In 1958, he was inducted into the United States Army where he would serve his country with the Army Corps of Engineers for the next two years. He was honorably discharged in August 1960. He would continue to serve an additional six years in the military reserve, receiving a Military Commendation for his active service during the Berlin Crisis of 1962. In 1960, his storied railroad career began when he joined the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Starting out as a junior engineer, he steadily began his rise through the ranks at the L&N. In the early 1970s, he managed the construction of Osborn Yard in Louisville, the first fully computerized train yard. Soon after, he branched out of the engineering department with his appointment as Division Superintendent of the Louisville Division. In 1979, he moved to Jacksonville after the L&N Railroad and Seaboard Coast Line merger to oversee the transition and was on the team in 1980 that created CSX Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, VA. In 1980, he was elected Vice President and Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board and President of CSX Corporation. In 1984, he was elected Senior Vice President and in 1995, named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CSX Transportation. He would end his distinguished career as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of CSX Corporation in December 1998. In addition, Gerry was a member of the Dean’s advisory board of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Distinction in April 1996. He also was a member of the advisory board of the University of Louisville College of Business. In 2002, he received the University of Louisville College of Business Alumni Fellows Award. Gerry was a mentor to many who came into his life and generous to countless charities, institutions and individuals with his time and resources. He loved his country, his UK Wildcats, his Jackie, his family, and his beloved dog, Missy Mae. The Chief lived life on his own terms with respect and compassion for others, an iron will to get things done and a mischievous grin on his face that reflected his love of good conversations and a good laugh. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Wilson Nichols, with whom he would have celebrated 59 years of marriage on March 29; son, Mark Andrew Nichols (Danielle); daughter, Kathryn Nichols Gunter; grandchildren, Kendall Gunter, Taylor Gunter and Harrison Nichols; brother, Frank Nichols (Tress); nephews, Casey Nichols and Mitchell Nichols (Drayton); numerous other nieces and nephews, family members and lifelong friends. Gerry was predeceased by his sister, Betty Nichols O'Bryant Visitation will be Sunday, March 26 from 5-7pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. Memorial Service will be Monday, March 27 at 11am at Riverside Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. A second service will be held in Lexington, KY on Monday, April 3 at 10:30am at First Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at The Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to: The Kappa Sigma Fund, University of Kentucky, ATTN: Susannah Denomme, 120 Sturgill Development Building, Lexington, KY 40506 or to K9s for Warriors, https://k9sforwarriors.donorpages.com/MyEvent/GeraldNichols Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.