Marshall Albert Nicholas, a great American hero, World War II Navy Veteran and beloved Patriarch of the Marshall Emerson and Versa Nicholas Family, Uncle Bud went to be with his Savior after a brief illness at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA on March 21, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Buckingham County, VA, on October 11, 1924, Bud was married to Valarie (Baird) Nicholas, also of Buckingham, his bride of more than 60 years who preceded him in death on November 23, 2006. They lived and worked in Maryland until moving to Woodstock in 1998.
Mr. Nicholas had been a member of the Washington DC Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #5 for more than 50 years. He retired in 1986. He had recently moved to Bentley Commons in Staunton, VA.
Mr. Nicholas and his wife were charter members of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, DC, where he had served as deacon. He and his wife later moved and were active at the First Baptist Church in Woodstock, VA until Valarie was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.
Bud is admired by his family and friends for his total dedication to his wife throughout her illness.
Uncle Bud was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially enjoying time spent at the familys hunt club on the James River.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Nicholas was preceded in death by his siblings, Lilly Nicholas, Ruby Wilmoth, Murrel Lipe, Philip Nicholas, Florice Piercy, Dale Nicholas, Robert Nicholas (killed in WWII), Clara Kaul, Lucille Webster, Dennis Nicholas and Thomas Nicholas.
He is survived by a brother, Ralph Nicholas and his wife Lucy of Scottsville, VA; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Lucinda Baird Wheeler and her husband George of Scottsville, VA, Joyce Baird Spencer of Farmville, VA, Beverly Baird Ballard and her husband Ed of Golden, CO, Marvin Baird Brocken of Locust Grove, VA and Phyllis M. Nicholas of Newport News, VA. and a very special friend and care-giver, Linda (Baird) Beasley. He was loved and admired by so many, including four generations of nieces and nephews who adored him.
A celebration of life will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010 in the St. Andrews Baptist Church in Glenmore, VA by Revs. Michael Moore and Terry Tolliver. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Active pallbearers will be his great-nephews attending the service.
Burial will be follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive family and friends 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in the Coffman Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be sent to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.