John Nicolas
John Nicolas died Sunday, March 10, 2013, after courageously battling a long illness.
He was born February 18, 1940, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Gust and Evelyn Wallie Nicolas. He was educated in local schools.
A loyal and enthusiastic Boy Scout, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout.
Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army and National Guard, attaining the rank of sergeant. He earned a degree in commercial refrigeration from Darlington Technical College.
He married Ronda Hulon of Dillon, S.C., on his 21st birthday, February 18, 1961.
Mr. Nicolas spent his life devoted to his family, work, church and sports.
He had a long career working in maintenance and refrigeration. A talented craftsman, he could build or repair anything. He retired from Carowinds and later from Home Depot.
Mr. Nicolas will always be remembered as a hardworking, honest man of integrity.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas enjoyed spending time together at the Carolina beaches where they could enjoy their children, nature and God’s wondrous creation.
A memorable road trip occurred last year when he and his son visited his family in Pennsylvania and the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He enjoyed special breakfasts or lunches with his daughter every Saturday. He loved the time that he spent with his grandchildren.
He loved sports and initiated the pee-wee football program in Dillon. He was an assistant coach for Ebinport’s pee-wee football team. While he was the head coach, the team won the city championship. He also officiated high school football games.
A man of strong faith, he was a loyal member of Oakland Baptist Church for many years.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a sister, Bessie, and a sister-in-law, Emily Nicolas.
Surviving is his devoted wife of 52 years, Ronda.
He also leaves to cherish his memory a son, Gust (Tracy); a daughter, Sheila Snipes (Mike); three grandchildren, Blake, Bailey and Bekah, all of Rock Hill, S.C.; siblings Katherine Grant (Oscar) of Canton, Albert Nicolas of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Kleo Nicolas (Jerri) of Pittsburgh, Sarah Andree (Russ) of Bridgeville, Martha Bell (Don) of Scenery Hill and Stacy West (Sam) of Orlando, Fla.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He also leaves his constant canine companions, Sadie and Sophie.
Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, Rock Hill. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in Grandview Memorial Park, 401 Hollis Lakes Road, Rock Hill. A memorial service officiated by the Rev. Robert Shrum will follow the burial at 2 p.m. in Oakland Baptist Church, Rock Hill. Condolences may be sent to www.greenefuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Oakland Baptist Church Ministry Center, 1067 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29732.