At the age of 94 Joseph Franklin “Frank” Nuckols, Jr., kept his heavenly appointment on Monday, February 21, 2022, leaving a family he loved dearly. He was born on June 25, 1927, in the Great Bridge area of Norfolk County to the late Joseph F. Nuckols, Sr., and Ruth E. Gilbert Nuckols. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Bennett. Frank graduated from Kempsville High School in 1944. He served his country faithfully near the end WWII in the US Navy aboard the USS Blackhawk. After his stint in the Navy, he started as a yardman at Amoco Oil Co. (now BP) in South Norfolk and subsequently retired as the terminal manager after 37 years. Frank was a volunteer fire fighter at Norfolk Co. Station #3 and a longtime member of Indian River Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA. He and his wife relocated to Floyd, VA where he served as a deacon with Floyd Baptist Church. After 12 years of “rambling” in the mountains, they returned to Virginia Beach, built a home on property that once was owned by Frank’s father, continued their ramblings for another 19 years and reunited with Indian River Baptist Church. When the house and yard became too much to maintain, they moved to Willow Creek in Chesapeake where Frank never met a stranger and was surrounded by many friends with whom he loved to talk and kid. Frank enjoyed woodworking and golf. He was an avid gardener who loved to share his veggies with family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 73 years, Wanda Hunter Nuckols; children, Ruth N. Spangler and Michael H. Nuckols (Debbie); grandchildren, Blair H. Spangler (Miranda), Emily Spangler, Laura Nuckols, and Diana Walters (Michael); great-grandchildren, Gracie, Jackson, Colt, Tucker, Luke, and Charlotte; brother, Melvin G. Nuckols (Bettie); nephew, Mark and numerous extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial celebration of Frank’s life will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11 AM at Indian River Baptist Church, 1600 Laurel Ave, Chesapeake, VA with visitation beginning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Frank’s memory to Indian River Baptist Church. The family wishes to express deepest appreciation to Deneen Burden, Bonita, Peaches, Robbie, Medi Health and Hospice and Always Best Care for the excellent care they gave to Frank. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.