ILION- Mr. John Nathan Randolph (Randy) Nichols, 54 of Barringer Rd., passed away on October 27, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. He was born on September 13, 1957, in Herkimer, son of Leland and Ellen ( Waldron) Nichols. He was a long time resident of the Mohawk Valley. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army as a Marksman during the Vietnam War. He was a highly skilled carpenter and mechanic. Randy was strong willed, independently spoken and full of life. He thrived on being close to family and friends that he loved and respected. Randy loved spending time with his children and grand children, He was an inspiration to his many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his 3 daughters: Rachell Nichols of Scotia, Sandy LaCerais of Scotia and Amanda Nichols of Herkimer; his 2 sons: John Cunningham of San Diego, CA and Brandon Frantz of Herkimer; his 5 grandchildren: Kimberly, Megan and Sara LaCerais, of Scotia; Xavior Nichols of Herkimer and Tatiana Acevedo of Herkimer, his parents: Ellen Nichols of Ohio, NY and Leland Nichols and Lyn Bishop of Ilion; his siblings" Brenda Nichols of Utica, Peggy and James Davis of Diamond Head, MS, Nancy and George McCaw Jr. of Ohio, NY, Tracy McCaw of Luverne,AL, Verna and John Shasteen of Picayun, MS, Leland Nichols of Rochester and Stacey and Kevin Guthrie of Spring Hill, FL; his 2 goddaughters: Mariah Nichols of Ilion and Angela McCaw of Daleville, Al and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his 3 brothers: Larry, Michael and Frederick Nichols. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from 3-5pm at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion. Military honors will be offered by the U.S. Army during calling hours at 4:30pm. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. The family is being cared for by John P. Lewandowski, Funeral Director.