Ralph Joseph Nichols, Jr

Ralph Joseph Nichols Jr. 66, of Lady's Island passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife at his home after a brief, but tiring battle with Colon Cancer. Born on June 11, 1946 in Gambrills, MD to the late Ola Rebecca & Ralph Joseph Nichols Sr., he attended Arundel Senior High. He was the younger brother of Phyliss, eldest brother of Patsy, twins Linda (late) & Lynette, Nancy, & David. As a Sergeant in the USMC, he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. After the war he met and fell in love with and married his loving wife of 44 years. He also worked as an Information Disclosure Specialist for the US Postal Inspection Service in Washington, DC before being forced into early retirement after a drunk driver hit his vehicle, permanently disabling him. He was hailed a hero as his last minute effort to turn the wheel of his vehicle to save his youngest daughter and son-in-law were proven to be the ultimate act of love. Nicknamed "Miracle Man" his is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Phyllis Eunice Nichols, his 4 children and spouses, Rebecca Lynn & boyfriend Bruno, Daniel Joseph & wife Jessie, Erin Elizabeth & husband Kevin, and youngest son, Paul Joseph. He was the loving Pop-Pop of grandchildren Meagan Christine, Samantha Lynn, Joseph Preston & Colleen Mikayla. He was also the very proud great-grandfather of Alicia Marie, Caleb Lincoln, Issac Jeffrey, & Jacob Anthony. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from noon until 1:30 P.M. at Anderson Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 2 P.M. at Beaufort National Cemetery with full Marine Corps Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots or your local Hospice.