Rudolph Paul Nichols Jr.

Rudolph “Paul” Nichols Jr., age 75 of Topinabee, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home January 11, 2026. He was born on March 8, 1950, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, the son of Rudolph Paul Nichols Sr. and Lillian Josephine (Bilot) Nichols.

Paul grew up in Topinabee and attended Inland Lakes High School in Indian River, Michigan. He served in the United States Navy as an OSSN aboard the USS Davis, where he worked as a Radarman Third Class in electronic warfare. Paul received the Combat Action Ribbon for participating in combat operations off the coast of North Vietnam in 1972. After his military service, he became an apprentice electrician before disabilities related to his time in the Navy took over. Paul was an avid fisherman, hunter, and mushroomer. He also enjoyed tending to his father’s vegetable garden, flowers, and watching birds.

Paul was a member of, and a donor to, Tunnels to Towers, the VFW, the American Legion, CCCOA, the F.O.P., the USS Davis Association, and Hillsdale College.

He is survived by his brother Robert J. Nichols of Topinabee, his sister Maureen E Maybank of Indian River, sister Patricia M. (Brian G.) King of Topinabee, and his sister Kathleen A. Flory of Topinabee. Paul is also survived by his special friend Judy Miller.

Those who have entered into rest before him are his parents Rudolph and Lillian Nichols, sister-in-law Judy Nichols, brother-in-law Kent Maybank, and his nephew Michael T. King.

Honoring his wishes cremation has taken place and a remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. The family request no flowers.

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