John Stephen Nichols

October 14th, 1946 - April 3, 2025

John Stephen Nichols of Ft. Ogden, FL, joined his son, parents, and numerous family and friends in heaven on Wednesday, April 3°, 2025, following a brief illness.

Steve, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Marianna, FL, and moved to Arcadia at the age of one, where his parents began working at the G. Pierce Wood Memorial Hospital. He lived his entire life in Desoto County and graduated from the Desoto High School in 1964, a member of the Key Club, the track team, and played football for the Desoto High Bulldogs.

Following high school, Steve attended St. Leo College before transferring to the University of Florida. After college, Steve worked for Roan Land Surveyors before accepting a position with the General Development Corp in Port Charlotte, FL. After a while, Steve opened his own business, B&S Culverts, and was part-owner of a commercial shrimp boat.

In 1969, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Diane Boggess. They had two sons, John and Wayne. Both boys shared their dad's love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, and regularly brought friends home for the weekend to share in the fun. Over the years, over two dozen kids would find a place to stay, a meal to share, and someone to listen to their problems and help find a solution. He always had a story to share that would have them laughing while eating "Big Steve's" barbequed ribs or a piece of "Mama Di's" fried chicken.

Steve was preceded in death by his son, John Stephen Il, and his parents, John and Lucille Nichols. He is survived by the love of his life and wife for 56 years, Diane, and a son, Wayne (Shirley) Nichols of Ft. Ogden, a daughter in law, Mary, of Tallahassee, a sister, Diane (Gary) Burkes of Okeechobee, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

At his request, a private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arraqngements.