Tennessee politicians reacted to the news of former state legislator Frank Niceley passing away Thursday at 78 years old from a heart attack.
Niceley served in the Tennessee Legislature for a total of 16 years. Tennesseans elected him to the State House from 1988 to 1992 and the State Senate from 2013 to 2025.
In 2024, Niceley lost in a Republican primary race to Jessie Seal, who ultimately won the election to represent the state’s 8th Senate district.
According to his reelection website, Niceley was a proponent of eliminating the inheritance tax, gift tax, and Hall income tax, as well as an income tax constitutional prohibition.
While not in the State Legislature, he worked on his family farm in Jefferson County.
He is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.
In reaction to the news, Gov. Bill Lee called Niceley “a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for” Tennessee and “the people he represented.”
“Maria and I join Tennesseans in praying for the Niceley family during this difficult time,” the governor added.
Lee said in the coming days, flags at the Capitol will be lowered to honor Niceley.
Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) stated he was “saddened” to hear about Niceley’s death.
“He served The State of Tennessee in our Legislature for multiple terms. The only thing he loved more than our State was his family. I will miss him,” he explained.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett called Niceley a “dedicated servant to his community and our state.”
“Please take a moment to pray for his wife, Cyndie, and his family during their time of loss,” he noted.
On Facebook, Seal said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about Niceley’s passing.
The first-time state senator stated Niceley “served the people of District 8 and the State of Tennessee with passion and a true love for his community.”
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his beloved wife and family! I hope they find comfort and peace in the days ahead,” he explained.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at [email protected].
Photo “Frank Niceley” by Frank Niceley.
Frank Nicely–how does one describe a complete gentleman who keeps his work, whose handshake was better than a contract and a delightful conversationist who enjoyed talking about anything on the farm? You will be very missed by our family, Frank.
RIP.