Former East Tennessee State Senator Frank Nicely Dies at 78
Frank Nicely, a longtime East Tennessee state legislator known for his agricultural advocacy and colorful personality, died Thursday after suffering a heart attack while working on his Jefferson County farm. He was 78.
The news was confirmed by U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett and Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton on social media Thursday afternoon. Nicely was transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m.
A 23-Year Legislative Career
The Knox County native graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in soil science before moving to Jefferson County to pursue farming and business ventures.
Nicely’s political career spanned 23 years in the Tennessee General Assembly, beginning in 1988 when he was elected to represent House District 35, covering Union, Grainger and Claiborne counties. After serving multiple terms, he transitioned to the state Senate in 2010, representing the 8th District, which included parts of Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Jefferson, Union and Sevier counties.
His legislative tenure ended in 2024 when he was defeated in the Republican primary by Jessie Seal.

Remembered as a Renaissance Man
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