Clinton Nolan “Clint” Nichols, 80, of Clay, WV, passed away surrounded by his family on December 30, 2024. Born and raised on a farm in Clay, he was the son of the late Kelles and Beulah (Grose) Nichols.
He was the senior class president of the Clay County High School Class of 1962. While working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), he took night classes at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Later, he attended Ben Franklin Vocational School in Dunbar, WV, and was inducted into the University of Hard Knocks honors society at Alderson-Broaddus University in Philippi, WV.
In addition to farming, he also took on jobs in the printing business, first selling copies of the Grit newspaper, then as a printer’s devil with the Elk Printing Company and the Clay County Free Press, where he learned to use the linotype machine and other printing equipment. Eventually, he would own both the Elk Printing Company and the Clay County Free Press for nearly 40 years.
In the meantime, he traveled and worked for other newspapers, such as, the Washington Post and Akron Beacon Journal, as well as local West Virginia newspapers in Charleston, Parkersburg, and Pleasants, Tyler, and Wetzel counties.
Before taking on his own printing and publishing businesses, he worked for several printers, including Rose City Press and Dunbar, Jarrett, King, and Watts printing companies.
After returning to Clay to carry out his dream of owning his own printing shop, he worked simultaneously as a part-time bus driver with Clay County Schools for 26 years.
Never seeming to have enough irons in the fire, he got involved in politics. He was a member and acting recorder of the Clay Town Council and a member and president of the Clay County Commission. He was also appointed and elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates.
His other public service activities included being a member of the Gideons, National Rifle Association, West Virginia Press Association, West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, West Virginia Farm Bureau, Clay County Farm Bureau, and Clay County Business Development Corporation. In high school, he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization and remained a lifelong supporter of its mission.
Ultimately, he returned to his first love: farming. He raised cattle, chickens, hogs, and horses. When he was clearing new pasture, he had an army of multifloral rose-eating goats and sold logs and other types of wood products.
Throughout his life, he had other loves. Above all, he loved God. He loved “Bev,” and he loved taking her to the West Virginia State Fair year after year. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He loved taking time fishing and hunting, especially in Pocahontas County.
He was a good man.
He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter, Vivian, his granddaughter, Allie Moore, five brothers, and three sisters.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Beverly “Bev” (Carper) Nichols; daughters, Rene’ (Brian) Moore and Christie Gould; sons, Aaron (Kyla) and Jacob (Lori); grandchildren, Tyler, Brittany, Brooklyn, Ballard, Abbie, Salem, Morgandy, and Zoey; and great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Grant, Tatum, and Ellie.
The family would like to thank his doctors for their excellent care over the years, especially Dr. Jack Kinder, Dr. Sarah Nease, and Dr. James Bergin.
The family would also like to thank his palliative care team, Amy, Katie, and Becky, who made it possible for him to remain at home.
Clint will be laid to rest in the Nichols Cemetery in Clay. All services will be private.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.goodshepherdmortuarywv.com.
Good Shepherd Mortuary 335 Fifth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
