Photo credit: Geneva DeCobert
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
The first sentence of Frank Niceley’s Obituary states as follows: “Frank Samuel Niceley, age 78, passed away on June 19, 2025, from a heart attack. He died with his boots on, plowing a river bottom field on his farm in Strawberry Plains, doing what he loved.”
To those people that knew and loved Frank, he was much more than a farmer. He was a statesman, advocate for rural people and agriculture, respected historian, storyteller, and dedicated legislator. He served with honor in both the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Tennessee Senate.
This article contains statements by a very small percentage of people that loved and appreciated the many contributions of Frank Niceley. The first of which is from Tim Burchett, who served in the Tennessee Senate concurrent with Niceley’s service in the Tennessee House.
“Frank loved our great State with intensity. The only thing he loved more than Tennessee was his wonderful family. I will miss him.” – Congressman Tim Burchett
As Frank Niceley navigated the world of public policy making, he made connections and gained the respect of his fellow legislators. They knew him to be principled, consistent, and dedicated to the people of Tennessee, the U.S. Constitution, and the Tennessee State Constitution. This was eloquently summed up by former House Speaker Beth Harwell.
“First and foremost, Senator Frank Niceley was my dear, dear friend. He was a man who reflected what we want and need with integrity, decency, commitment to his principles, loyalty to his friends, respect for other people and a deep love for his family.
His service to our state in the Tennessee General Assembly had, and will have for the future, an impact representing what was good for Tennessee as he fiercely faced difficult issues with courage and strength, regardless of any negative consequences to himself.
His influence in the farming world, political world and his community will be deeply missed, but most of all Frank Niceley, the man, will be missed.
I will always treasure his friendship.” – Beth Harwell, Former Speaker, Tennessee House of Representatives
The following comments were made by other individuals that were invited to comment on the life and legacy of Frank Niceley for this tribute article.
“Senator Frank Niceley was one of the wisest men Tennessee ever had and a very dear personal friend. He understood the big picture, was unapologetically pro-freedom, and stayed true to his conscience, even when it made him unpopular with powerful people.” – Tobi Maier, Esq.
Maier provides a synopsis of Frank Niceley’s premier legislative efforts linked HERE.
“Frank Niceley, a dear friend, a mentor in the Senate Caucus, A lover of his Family, his Farm, his Friends and our State and Nation. Frank’s friendship will always be a special treasure. His quips on any and every subject are legendary… no one dared challenge his wit or his knowledge in multiple and diverse topics. Frank not only shared information, he shared wisdom… a rare commodity in our “instant”, often superficial society. My sincere gratitude to Cyndi for sharing him with us. His heart was nurtured by his family, farm and the plethora of skills and knowledge he thoroughly enjoyed. I have a treasure trove of ”Frankisms”… his unique and connected observations on subjects as diverse and precious as you can imagine. Goodbyes are temporary… Eternity awaits us all and reunions are coming.” – State Senator Janice Bowling
“On behalf of all 24 counties in the Tennessee Constitutional Grassroots Coalition (TCGC), I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of former Senator Frank Niceley. Even though only 6 counties in Tennessee were able to vote for him, conservatives across the state embraced him as our senator because he stood up for all of us and our children. He was a beacon for conservative values, and his leadership is already greatly missed. Tennessee has lost a true patriot and volunteer.” – Tracey Smith, Chair, Knox for Liberty
“Frank was the epitome of a true statesman. He was never concerned about political advancement or prestige and did not allow his ego or a desire for power to influence him when it came time to vote on a bill. Frank was the voice of the little guy and a champion against Big Ag and Farm Bureau for the small farmer. Even when he knew it would come at a huge personal loss he stood for what was right. I would have followed Frank into any battle and am forever proud to have been his friend.” – Elizabeth Murphy, Weston A. Price Foundation Lobbyist
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Frank Niceley and send our deepest condolences to the family. Frank was one of the absolute best we had in the legislature as a fighter for conservative values, willing to tackle the hard things even at personal risk. He was the real deal.” – Gary Humble, Executive Director, Tennessee Stands
“Frank was a kind and passionate colleague. He could make you smile on your worst day. His presence and sense of humor will be missed. Condolences to his family.” – State Senator London Lamar
“Senator Frank Niceley was a true Renaissance man-knowledgeable in many diverse areas -and unafraid to tackle controversial legislation for the good of Tennessee citizens. He was a friend of patriots who strive to preserve our rights by guarding the State of Tennessee Constitution and the Constitution of the United States of America.” – Denise Sibley, MD, Johnson City, Tennessee
“An Irish proverb says it so well… “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” Senator Niceley was blessed TO BE a friend to MANY and blessed TO HAVE friends in MANY areas of life, not just Tennessee politics. In the long days ahead, may those friends’ comfort and touch his family in meaningful ways.” Barbara Outhier, A friend
“We are deeply saddened to learn about Frank’s passing. He was passionate about farmers and was a champion in the cause to protect property rights in Tennessee. Our family is most appreciative for his hard work and will miss him greatly.” – Oliver, Jean, and Andrew Wood
“Senator Niceley was a true conservative who cared for his constituents. The state legislature is minus a voice of reason without Frank, and his community is minus a major advocate, and we should all be thankful for his support and service.” – Todd A. McKinley
“Without any notice we lost a dear friend the other day, Frank Niceley. Frank was well known for his time as our state representative and Senator. For those of us who live in Strawberry Plains, we knew him as a neighbor and friend. Frank could talk to you about anything, our love of old farm equipment was always on that list, but Frank also had another passion in history. There were many an evening I sat on the Niceley Farm and spoke with him about our local history. Many times, we talked about the Civil War and how it affected this area. I am going to truly miss those conversations. Frank would say “I was always trying to teach you something”, it was said jokingly but with sincerity. “Now he belongs to the Angles”, a quote from Edwin Stanton upon Lincoln’s death in April 1865. Stanton served as Secretary of War under Lincoln. There is still a debate as to whether he said Angles or Ages. See Frank, you really did teach me something. Until we meet again, old friend.” – Stacy Knight, Niceley Friend and Neighbor
“So, what I will remember most is His fight, His strength, and His spirit of tenacity. Thank you for always encouraging me. You helped me dare to dream big! To say that you will be missed is an understatement. Rest in heavenly peace, my dear friend. Job well done!” – Erica Moore, Blount County School Board, District 5
“Frank was a one-in-a-million man who stood boldly for liberty and against government overreach, earning deep respect through his quiet strength and unwavering principles. Though accomplished in the Senate, his greatest pride was always his family and his farm in East Tennessee. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his wisdom, humility, and lasting impact on all who knew him.” – Kelli O’Connor, Empowered Sevier Organizer
“Frank Niceley truly represented the people of Tennessee, as is evident in the bills he carried that protected citizens’ rights to live freely. He understood that food, farming, finance, and health freedom are fundamental to this nation. His famous wit revealed his intelligence and cut to the heart of the matter. Along with Representative Susan Lynn in the House, he carried the 2022 bill that made Tennessee the first state in the nation to allow for the sale of ivermectin without a prescription. On the senate floor just before the vote, he said: “It’s a lot safer to go your pharmacist and let him tell you how much ivermectin to take than it is to go to the co-op and guess what size horse you are.” Laughter on the senate floor was followed by the bill’s passage, and today, the people of Tennessee have easy access to an essential medicine that has been found beneficial in the treatment of viruses, cancer, and more. Frank Niceley’s legacy as a champion of Tennesseans’ freedom endures.” – Bernadette Pajer, Tennessee Director of Stand for Health Freedom.
“Former Senator Frank Niceley was a true statesman, a true conservative. He knew the constitution and fought to uphold it. He stood for limited government and knew history and heeded it. He was wise and discerning, a man if integrity, who stood boldly when others wouldn’t. Frank will be greatly missed.” – Daniel Goodrich, Founder, East Tennessee Freedom
“I’m a nobody and I wasn’t contributing to his campaign, but he was always accessible and just willing to hear someone out even if he disagreed, and more often than not he was helpful. He was never too good for anyone, and he exuded the attitude and conduct we the people hope to find in our legislators.” – Justin Cornett
Author’s Note, I will not repeat the well-deserved tremendous accolades offered by the previous commenters. Instead, I will quote my late grandfather, mentor, and guardian angel Beldon Colley, who advised me when I got my job as a teacher in the Jefferson County School system 37 years ago. He said, “make them a good hand Buddy.” He was a farmer just like Frank Niceley who lived by a strong work ethic and had a good moral compass. To my grandfather, being a “good hand” meant that you were virtuous and hard working. Frank was a “good hand” for the people of Tennessee. – David Seal, Niceley Friend and Tennessee Conservative News Reporter
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
