Obituaries
William Roland Nichols, Sr., 92
February 19, 2016
Mr. Nichols, most commonly known as “Grandpop”, entered into rest on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Lebanon Veteran’s Administration Hospital hospice. He was the youngest son of the late Alan Walker Nichols and Lillian Beatrice (Waters) Nichols born on April 19, 1923 in Upper Fairmount, Somerset County, Maryland.
He was a graduate and valedictorian of the class of 1940 at Greenwood High School, and continued his education at Princess Anne College in Princes Anne, Maryland, where he studied carpentry and electrical engineering in the Industrial Arts program. He also participated on the school’s football team as a running back. Drafted into the United States Army in 1943, he served as a truck driver and sharpshooter with the 4049th Quarter Master Company in the European Theatre of War, including battle campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, The Rhinelands, The Ardennes and Central Europe. Upon discharge, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became employed at Sears and Roebuck in the shipping and receiving department until his retirement in 1988. During his tenure at Sears, he also worked part-time as a postal sorter for the United States Post Office in Philadelphia.
In 1948, he met and married the late Marian Elizabeth (Oveide) Nichols and enjoyed 53 years with her until her death in 2001. Three children were produced from this union, Deborrah Coffin (Lancaster, PA), William Nichols, Jr. (Honolulu, HI) and John Nichols (San Antonio, TX). Mr. Nichols is also survived by eight grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Mr. Nichols enjoyed many activities during his life, but his passion for carpentry took center stage. He utilized his skills as a Master Carpenter until the day of his death.
A graveside service with Military Honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016 in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, 1918 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA.
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Condolences to the Family
February 26, 2016
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Roland he will be greatly missed! God bless the family at this difficult time! Nephew Eric Thompson
February 26, 2016
To my beautiful family:Debbie,Kristen,Ren, and kiddos.I’m sorry for your loss.Take it in day by day.It will take time to heal but we will be a stronger unit because of him.My prayers are with u.
I loved Grandpop as if he was my own flesh and blood.He brought joy in my life that can never be replaced.I know he will always be the best man I’ll ever know.I know he is smiling down from heaven looking out for his loved ones.There will never be another man like u Grandpop, and you will always be in my heart. I miss u everyday. I love u always.
Love Jennay
February 25, 2016
I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish you all peace and comfort during this time. My prayers are with you. I truly enjoyed the times I spent with him and your family, and his light in this world will truly be missed.
Love, Alida P.
February 24, 2016
Ms.Deborah, Kristen and family I am so sorry for your lost. Grandpa was a great loving, sweet man. My family will always have the memory of the holiday we spent with you’ll and grandpa kept sneaking the pie. May God be with you’ll at all times and remember he is smiling upon you’ll. Love Tay, Mat, Lili, Jojo and Koko.
February 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss he was a great man n will be missed by many
February 24, 2016
I never knew a man that had so much wisdom I met GrandPop in 2002 at that point in time I never knew Men Like that lived on earth. Mr Nichols I looked to him as a mentor we have had so many talks about life in general I was a kid from the Streets He was a man from a world unknown. In closing I would like to thank GrandPop for helping become a better person in life I will always love you GrandPop Fly Hi Ps Love Benjamin SLP World Ent Joe 111
February 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May Grandpop rest in peace and may your hearts be filled with fond memories. Hugs and prayers, The Cornwell Family
February 24, 2016
Pops was one of the most amazing people I’ve met. He loved unconditionally and loved the grand babies and great grand babies! Always kept up with them! Those who knew him, he became part of their family! He will truly be loved and missed dearly!
February 24, 2016
I’m not immediate family to GrandPop as I called him. However, that didn’t stop this sweet soul from helping me multiple times with his generous heart. Whether that was providing shelter or wonderful words of wisdom. He was so loved by EVERYONE who got to be blessed with his presence. Some of the memories I’ll cherish the most is listening to him whistle or sing while he cooked and eating breakfast WAY before anyone was up. He liked to make whoever was around him special, and I was no different. He lived a long life, longer than most and with a great support system in Grandmo, Kristen and Lawrence and the kids. It saddens me to know I can never get words of wisdom from the sweetest set of baby blue eyes, or to know that we can never eat special breakfasts again. He was a mans man. A provider. A helper. But if you know GrandPop, he’s already watching over them and helping them heal. We love you GrandPop and you will forever be missed. Watch over all your grandchildren and guide us to live a long beautiful life like you did.
We love you…
Till me we meet again
Keshia,Josiah & Kameron
February 24, 2016
I love and miss you Grandpop…….it wont be the same comin home and not seeing your face but i know you’ll be there in spirit….can’t wait to see you again, rest in peace GP
love Quan
- Services
- Friday, February 26, 2016
- 3:00 PM
- Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery
- 1918 Lincoln Highway East
- Lancaster, PA
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