BERKLEY NICHOLS - Major Howard "Berkley" Nichols, age 45, of Aberdeen, MS, passed away January 11, 2013, at his residence. Graveside services with full military honors will be Friday, January 18, 2013, at 2:00 PM at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN. Visitation will be Thursday, January 17, 2013, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbus, MS. Major Nichols was born January 14, 1967, in Huntsville, AL, to Jim and Nancy Garst Nichols of Germantown, TN. He was a graduate of Germantown High School and Memphis State University. Major Nichols received his commission through Air Force ROTC at Memphis State in 1990. He graduated from pilot training in 1992 and was assigned to the F-16. He flew the F-16 during assignments in Saudi Arabia, Korea and at Hill AFB. He had over 50 hours of combat time and was awarded the Air Medal. In 1997 he was assigned to Columbus AFB, MS, as a T-37 flight instructor pilot. Major Nichols transitioned to the Air Force Reserves in 2001. He was a highly respected simulator and flight instructor pilot in the T-38 with over 3,200 flying hours. He touched the lives of thousands of Air Force pilot training students. In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Michele Schiffer Nichols of Aberdeen, MS, son, Jacob Nichols of Collierville, TN, daughter, Shelby Nichols of Starkville, MS, step sons, Samuel Stukenborg of Little Rock, AR, and Benjamin Stukenborg of Little Rock, AR, step daughter, Rachel Stukenborg of Little Rock, AR, Brothers, Russ Nichols of Germantown, TN, Tim Nichols and his wife Tracy of Ripley, TN, niece, Ashlee Nichols, and nephews, Cole Nichols and Tyler Nichols . Pallbearers will be the Little Rock, AR, Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38101.
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