George Wilson Nichols, Jr.

George Wilson Nichols, Jr, 54, of Wake Forest, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Cumberland County on May 13, 1965.  George grew up in the Wake Forest Rolesville area.  Early on he had a passion for tinkering with cars, motors, radios and such taking things apart just to see how they worked.

A few years after graduating from WFR High School, George enlisted in the US Army where he served our country in places like Korea and Germany as a Morse Code Interceptor.  George had one child Hannah whom he just adored.  He loved to see her smile, to hear her sing and enjoy her successes as she grew into a beautiful young lady.  As Hannah grew up, she was just the apple of his eye and would light up in her presence and when speaking about her. 

George started a career in computers almost 30 years ago working his way up from technician to CIO.  As a successful CIO, he had seen what it takes to get the technical stuff working and knew best practices to steer the corporation on a secure steady course.  At his last CIO position with Ravn Airlines George absolutely loved the challenges and successes that came with the position.  He loved the people he worked with and felt as if they were his remote family.

When George was diagnosed with Cancer in October 2018 he decided to come back “HOME” for his final days.  The family sees this as his greatest gift to them.  George’s family showered him with love and affection sharing many laughs and “moments” that will be remembered for our lifetime.  George’s mother and family were steady and deliberate in taking care of George to give him the best care possible.  He truly loved being with his family and spent many hours with them playing a prank when he could get away with it.  He loved to listen to TJ play and sing the custom and published songs of old and new. 

George was an avid sportsman, hunting, fishing, hiking the many places he had lived.  We all agree that if ever there was a fish whisperer the title would most certainly go to him.  We often wondered if he had tied one up to catch it later and with his boyish grin “show us how it was done” smile.  Words just cannot adequately describe the rich and full life George has led.  Transitions LifeCare provided the best experience anyone could possibly hope for.  Transitions staff was there from beginning to end with a caring professional team to ease the burdens and help through the obstacles that arose.  

A visitation to celebrate George’s life will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a time of remembrance at 11:15 am at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be held at the Pulley-Nichols Family Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Nichols is survived by his daughter, Hannah Grace Nichols of Euless, TX; mother, Joyce Aileen Smothers of Wake Forest; father & step-mother, George & Marie Nichols of Zebulon; siblings, Georgeanna Welch & husband Ricky, of Lubbock, TX, Carol Riddle & husband William of Wake Forest, Terry Pulley & wife Connie of Wake Forest, Cheryl Pearce & husband Jamie of Louisburg and Dr. James "Jimmy" Pulley & wife Vicky of Wake Forest, numerous nieces and nephews from varying locations. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Vernon Smothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pillow Pack Ministry, Attn: Carol Riddle, 6521 Pulley Town Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587  

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com