J. Hugh Nichols, 85, of Maplesville, passed away on Dec. 8.

Nichols was born in Sprott. He served in the U.S. Army and completed a bachelor of science in political science at University of Alabama before moving to Maryland.

Nichols had an avid interest in serving the public and in 1968 was elected to the Howard County Council.

From 1971 to 1978 Nichols was elected to serve as a Maryland State Delegate and from 1978 to 1986 was elected to serve as Howard County Executive.

For a short time in 1986, Nichols was a candidate for the Maryland State Governor. In 1986, Nichols took a position with a utility conglomerate, Entergy, in New Orleans, La.

In the 1990s, Nichol’s interest took him abroad to work on a free market plan in Poland.

He then spent many years working with the firm of Mendez England Associates dispensing economic development plans in Eastern Europe, predominately Albania where he established many lasting friendships before retiring to his home in Maplesville.

In addition to his other accomplishments, he served as the Maryland Deputy Secretary for State Budget and Planning.

Nichols helped form the Maryland State Lottery in the 1970s and served on the initial Lottery Board of Louisiana in the 1990s.

Nichols is survived by his sons, Duane A. (Sharon) Nichols of Eldersburg, Md., G. Hugh (Ellie) Nichols of Maplesville, Jonathan G. Nichols of Maplesville; daughter, Sharon N. Hosch of Slidell, La.; brother, Paul A. (Leona) Nichols of Sprott; grandchildren Jason, Amy, Justin, Julia, Staci, David, Matthew, Oliver, Patrick, Christina, Jennifer and Michael and great grandchildren Megan, Brianna, Lexy, Connor, Hayden, Halie, Cole and Abigail.

Nichols was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Sue Nichols; son, John Dorsey; daughter-in-law, Rosemary Dorsey; son-in-law, Harold Hosch, Jr. and son-in-law, Robert Protasi.

Friends will be received from 5-7 p.m., Dec. 10 at Martin Funeral Home in Clanton. Services will be held Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at Cox Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stanley Carter officiating.

Interment will follow in Cox Chapel United Methodist Cemetery in Maplesville, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department.