Gerald L. “Jerry” Nichols JR – 57 – of 6690 West St. Ext., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (March 11, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Jerry never gave up fighting for the love of his family.

Born in Las Vegas, NV on August 9, 1963, he was the son of the Linda & Greg Kerr.

Jerry grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1980 – 1982.  While in the army, Jerry was stationed in Germany and received the expert badge of marksmanship at the age of 17.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jerry returned to the Hornell area and for about 10 years was employed at Morrison Knudson (MK) Corporation while also owning and operating the Nichols Go-Cart Raceway.  He later served as a cement truck operator for DeWitt Construction.  For 21 years, Jerry and his wife Paula owned & operated the Old Mill Inn in Alfred Station.  He retired in 2020 due to ill health.

Jerry enjoyed the last 20 years spending his every summer at Lamoka Lake, enjoying time on the water with friends and family.   He also enjoyed his yearly vacation to the Dominican Republic and was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan.  He also loved watching NASCAR and rooting for his favorite driver, Kyle Busch.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Kerr.

On October 4, 1986, Jerry was married to the former Paula Duryea who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Nathan (Britney Ormsby) Nichols of Canisteo and Ryan (Savanah Hess) Nichols of Hornell; his father, Greg Kerr of Hornell; his brother, Oakie (Sabra) Nichols of Alfred; 2 step brothers, Greg (Roxana Ordway) Kerr JR of Hornell and Mike (Ellen) Kerr of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Xander Nichols and Miah Nichols; several nieces, nephews & cousins and also his devoted 4 legged companion “Lexi” who helped him through his long illness.

Jerry will also be remembered for his quick wit and his sense of humor. Jerry’s two greatest accomplishments were his two sons who he was very proud of and always said “I only want you to have a better life than I had.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to the Wilmont Cancer Institute in Dansville where he received excellent care and compassion and also the Hornell Humane Society