CHERRY HILL, N.J. - Francis C. "Nick" Nichols Jr., 57, of Cherry Hill, N.J., formerly of Chestertown, Md., died Nov. 8, 2010, after a year-long courageous battle with cancer. Nick was born Aug. 1, 1953, in Dover, son of Francis C. Sr. and Shirley Everett Nichols of Dover. He was a 1972 graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, achieving his Associates degree in Fire Engineering from Del Tech. He was active since his youth in scouting, reaching the level of Eagle Scout and Scout Leader, earning the state's most prestigious award in scouting for his exemplary volunteer efforts. Nick began his career with D & R of Chestertown and has been with Southern States Petroleum Cooperative since 1989, where he became their manager in 2007. He earned the company's prestigious President's Award for outstanding sales in 2009. He also worked part-time for Radio Shack in Chestertown and Dorchester County EMS. He was a life member for 30 years of Chestertown Vol. Fire Co. where he had served as a vice-president, fire line Lieutenant and Safety Officer, battling over 1,000 fires in his career. He also served as a Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute instructor through the University of Maryland, training fire fighting techniques and hazardous materials handling. He also held membership with the Kent and Queen Anne Rescue Squad and the Chester Masonic Lodge #115. Along with his parents, he is survived by his wife of 1 year, Mary Ellen Pahika Nichols of Cherry Hill; daughter, Heather Wooters and her husband Charles of Sudlersville, Md.; step-children, Perry and Savannah Hudicka, both of Cherry Hill; and brothers, Jon and Michael Nichols, both of Dover, Del. Funeral services with Fireman's Honors will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St., Galena, Md., where friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Delmarva Council Tribute Fund to honor Nick Nichols, 100 W. 10th St. Suite 915, Wilmington, DE 19801. www.galenafuneralhomeofsls.com