Franklin Levi Nickens

Franklin Levi Nickens was born to the late William Nickens and Pauline Johnson Nickens on February 3, 1947 in Olney, Maryland.  He entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2019.

Franklin was affectionately called "Frank" by family and friends.  He was also nicknamed "Barney Googie" by a great uncle.  This resulted with Frank being called "Barney" by cousins and friends and "Googie" by others.

Frank was educated in the Montgomery County School System and graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1967.  In high school he played varsity football from 1965 - 1966, under coach John Harvil.  Frank was considered a cool dude in school, quite the dresser and far from being shy.

Frank accepted Christ into his life at a young age. Over the year he became a member of the United Methodist Men and served on the Trustee Board.

His Brother Jonathan and other siblings said Frank was also a very good dancer.  He remembers Frank and his sister Theresa dancing in the living room every Saturday morning watching "American Bandstand."  Jonathan said all he could do was sit in the far corner and watch because he could not dance.

Frank enjoyed playing cards, pitching horseshoes and was the practical joker.  He also enjoyed eating and knew the location of every fast food joint and restaurant in Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

Upon graduating he worked as a shoe salesman at Kenny's in Rockville, Maryland.  Frank joined the Army and was enlisted, January 29, 1968 - January 28, 1971.  He went to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina for basic training and then to Ft. Gordon, Georgia for Airborne training.  In November 1968 Frank began his tour in Viet Nam as a Communications Operator.  There he earned the rank of Sergeant E-5.  After his tour in Viet Nam, Frank went to Ft. Fill, Oklahoma until he was discharged from service in 1971.  He received a Certificate of Appreciation for services in the armed forces from then President Nixon and also the Army Commendation Medal for "Exceptionally Meritorious Achievement" in the Republic of Viet Nam.

Upon exiting the Army, Frank worked for the Montgomery County School System and the State Road Commission until he became disabled.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory four loving siblings, Jonathan E. (Cleona), Theresa E. Hebron (William, Sr.), Bernadine J. Hoes (Marshall, Jr.) and Loretta D. Ellison (Roy); a loving godsister Jean A. Frazier; four nephews and three nieces, Spencer, William, Jr. (godson), Tyrone, Therene, Michelle, Denise, Brandy and Marques; three great nephews and five great nieces, Joshua,  Alicia, Jonathan, Drake, Samantha, Eva, Jenna and Simone; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

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