JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Frank Niceley, a former East Tennessee politician who committed over two decades to the Tennessee General Assembly, has passed away. He was 78 years old.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey, Niceley suffered a heart attack on Tuesday. The cardiac incident occurred at his residence, after which he was rushed to Jefferson Memorial Hospital. He was declared dead at 2:30 p.m.

In 1969, he earned a bachelor’s degree in soil science from the University of Tennessee. Initially elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Republican in 1988, he served the 35th district for two terms. In 2004, Niceley began representing the 17th House district and secured reelections in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

He was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2012, representing the 8th district, which is comprised of Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Jefferson, and Union counties, as well as a portion of Sevier County. Niceley won reelection in 2016 and 2020 before being defeated in the 2024 Republican primary by Jessie Seal.

Several lawmakers shared messages of condolences Thursday, including Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville).

I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Frank Niceley. He was always quick witted and never short of a story based off his ‘Frankisms’. Frank was the embodiment of true conservative leadership and had a deep love for our state. My prayers are with his family and the community he served so faithfully.

Speaker Cameron Sexton

“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the death of my long time friend Frank Niceley,” Burchett wrote. “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.”

Sen. Richard Briggs wrote, “Sen. Frank Niceley was a friend to all the Senate. His down home humor and common sense approach to issues were unrivaled. We all will miss this one-of-a-kind great man who always was looking out for the little guy.”