Long-Time Journalist and Hall of Fame Sports Writer, Clifford Raymond Nichols, Passes Away at Age of 70
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 13, 2025
Clifford Raymond Nichols, 70, of Triadelphia, WV, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at his residence. He was born on July 20, 1954 in Fairmont, the son of the late Raymond C. and Maxine V. McElroy Nichols. Clifford is survived by his loving wife, Belinda S. 
Harden Nichols.
Harden Nichols.
In addition to his wife, Clifford is survived by his son, Christopher L. Harden and his partner, Jessica Teets of Triadelphia, his daughter, Catherine J. Harden of Fairmont, his granddaughter, Aubrey S. Harden, his stepmother, Roanna “Helen” Mullenix Nichols of St. Marys, WV, his sister, Michelle A. Nichols Howard and her husband Dennis of Virginia, his brother-in-law, Fred Harden, and his three sister-in-law’s, Patricia Cottrill and her husband James, Cathy Edgell, and Sandra Rial. He is also survived by his nephews Jayson Nichols and his wife Kimberly, Michael Nichols, Lewis Fletcher, and Bryan Fletcher, his nieces Brianne Fletcher Terry and her husband Matt, and his cousins, Dylan and Nolan Terry.
Clifford was a proud 1972 graduate of East Fairmont High School, where he was an active member of the Key Club, and a 1976 Magna Cum Laude graduate from the West Virginia School of Journalism. After graduation, Clifford worked at Better Times Weekly and then went on to work as a Sports Editor and News Editor with the Times West Virginian for many years. He was known for his talented writing abilities, as he was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Writer Hall of Fame. Clifford was an avid sports fan and loved his Mountaineers, Steelers, and Pirates teams.
In addition to his parents, Clifford was preceded in death by one sister, Cynthia I. Nichols Fletcher.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. In accordance with Clifford’s wishes, cremation services will occur. Friends will be received on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 12 Noon until 3 PM. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 3 PM. A private service of committal will be held for the family at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.forduneralhomes.com.
