St. George, Utah - Dennis Nichols, 77, passed peacefully in his sleep after succumbing to Alzheimer's disease on May 28, 2017. He was at his home in St. George, UT surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Born July 17, 1939 in Baltimore, MD to Margaret and Maurice (Nick) Nichols. Dennis grew up in the Baltimore area where he attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School and went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in June of 1961. He married Carolyn Marie Mathis on October 20, 1961 in Pensacola, FL.

Dennis was a skilled naval aviator while serving in the US Navy and later achieved much success during his business career in the aviation industry, but most of all he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. In November of 1962, LT Nichols graduated from the Naval Aviation Flight School, and earned his "wings of gold." He then was trained to fly the A-4 Skyhawk and was assigned to the Black Lancer attack squadron (VA-64). In December of 1965, LT Dennis Nichols earned the distinction of being the first pilot to land 100 times on the USS America while sailing off the coast of Italy. Ultimately he would log over 400 trap landings on the deck of the America. At the time, the America was our country's newest aircraft carrier. In addition to flying, LT Nichols was the squadron's signal officer responsible for guiding aircraft down the flight path as they approached the carrier in order to catch the arresting wire and safely land on the flight deck. LT Nichols also served a tour at sea on the USS Enterprise with the Black Lancers. With nerves of steel, LT Dennis Nichols landed his Skyhawk 470 times on the deck of an aircraft carrier and logged 2150 flight hours. LT Nichols transferred from active in February of 1967 and later resigned his commission with the US Navy on February 20, 1974.

After transitioning from his military service, Dennis worked for Fairchild Republic a defense contractor that manufactured the A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft. In his role in marketing and weapons development, he worked closely with Wernher von Braun (inventor of the German V-2 rocket and US Saturn V rocket) and the US Air Force during the design stages of this aircraft. Successfully improving the capabilities of this close air support aircraft, Dennis was instrumental in the Air Force's decision to award the purchase contract to Fairchild for its new plane. Affectionately known as the Warthog by its pilots this aircraft went into military service in 1977 and distinguished itself as a lethal ground support weapons system in the Gulf War. Since entering service the A-10 has participated in all of our country's conflicts and continues to provide critical close air support for our combat troops engaged with the enemy.

Dennis has served in various other senior executive positions within the commercial aviation industry. Most notable was his 18 year tenure with Turbomeca, a world leader in the market of civil and parapublic helicopter engines. Starting with small number of employees and a single warehouse in Grand Prairie, TX,

Dennis' leadership and vision helped this company grow to employ hundreds of highly skilled professionals working within new state of the art facilities. Turbomeca is the US operating site of Turbomeca, S.A. the largest solely dedicated helicopter engine manufacturer in the world. Dennis also served on the board of the Helicopter Association International.

Being a man of faith, Dennis approached his Christianity in the same manner he flew his A-4 "full throttle." Drawn to be a mentor to young married couples he spent countless hours teaching and guiding them in weekly bible studies, which touched so many lives. He also traveled abroad to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to young adults in China. A dedicated family man, Dennis was deeply devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and brother. He was the Spiritual Leader of our family and we will miss his support, counsel, and advice; no problem was ever too great for him to solve. Dennis loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and bike rider. He also enjoyed hiking, snowmobiling, and ATV adventures.

Dennis is survived by his wife Carolyn; three children: Marcy, Dennis Jr., and Steve; eight grandchildren: Kearstyn, Keith Bradley, Keaton, Erin, Emily, Kara, Joey, and Samuel; and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Timothy Nichols. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Nick; along with his oldest daughter, Kathryn.

A Service will be held for Dennis on June 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 611 North 2450 East, St. George, UT 84790.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis' name to Memory Matters Utah on line at www.MemoryMattersUtah.org or by mail at 168 N. 100 East, Suite 104 St. George, UT 84770.