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Former Tennessee State Sen. Frank Niceley Dies of Suspected Heart Attack

Former Tennessee State Senator Frank Niceley, a Strawberry Plains farmer and longtime legislator, died of a heart attack on Thursday at age 78.
Niceley began his legislative career in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1988 and served multiple terms before winning a Senate seat in 2012, where he remained until his defeat by Jessie Seal in the 2024 Republican primary.
Known for his colorful and sometimes controversial remarks, Niceley once compared Adolf Hitler to homeless people during debate on a camping misdemeanor bill.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally characterized Niceley as a strong-willed individual with deep community ties, expressing that his death is a significant sorrow for Tennessee and for everyone who had the honor of working alongside him. He added that he will greatly feel his absence.
Gov. Bill Lee ordered flags at the State Capitol to be lowered in honor of Niceley, recognizing his devoted advocacy for Tennessee’s rural communities and his commitment to conservative principles.

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Johnson City Press

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Kingsport Times-News

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East Tenn. legislators remember former Sen. Frank Nicely

Former East Tennessee state Senator Frank Nicely died Thursday at the age of 78. He is remembered by his colleagues as a well-read, down-to-earth personality.

6 days ago

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Winnipeg Free Press

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Former Tennessee state Sen. Frank Niceley dies of suspected heart attack

Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada

6 days ago·Winnipeg, Canada

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Nashville Post

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Former state Sen. Frank Niceley dies at 78

Republican from East Tennessee brought 'farmer’s wisdom and a statesman’s heart to public service'

6 days ago

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WTVC

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Former Tennessee senator Frank Niceley passes away at 78

Former Tennessee legislator Frank Niceley has passed away at the age of 78 from a heart attack.Congressman Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Tennessee House Speaker Ca

7 days ago

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Citizen Tribune

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Former State Sen. Frank Niceley dies following heart attack

Former Tennessee State Sen. Frank Niceley died after suffering a heart attack, reportedly while working on his farm on Thursday.

7 days ago

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Raw Story

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Ex-Tennessee state senator dies of heart attack

Former Tennessee state Sen. Frank Niceley, 78, dies of heart attackby J. Holly McCall, Tennessee Lookout June 19, 2025Frank Niceley, the Strawberry Plains farmer and businessman who served in both the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate, died Thursday of a heart attack.The news was first r...

7 days ago·United States

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