Wiley Nicholas Christopher, known to his friends and family as Nick, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014, of natural causes. He was born in 1920, to J.E. and Mary Christopher of Athens, Alabama, and was predeceased by his wife Helen, his sister Francis Kennemer, and his brothers Cecil, Carlos, and Harold Christopher.
Nick entered the Army at the outbreak of World War II. After crossing North Africa, he served as an officer in the 106th Anti-Aircraft Battalion attached to the 45th Infantry Division. He participated in the Italian campaign to include the landing at Anzio beach and the subsequent fighting up to the capture of Rome. His unit progressed through France and was in Germany by war’s end, participating in the liberation of the concentration camp at Dachau outside of Munich. His contributions during the fighting in Italy and France earned him the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. After returning from the war, he met his wife Helen while attending school in Nashville. They were married in Nashville in 1948. Eventually they moved to Huntsville, where Nick began his 30 year employment with Nike Hercules, Sentinel Command, and the Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Command. In addition to being initiated into the Madison County Hall of Heroes, he enjoyed the honor of being on the first Huntsville Honor Flight program, which escorted WWII veterans to Washington DC. He was a faithful member of Whitesburg Baptist Church, and served as Chairman of Deacons and as Chairman of the Finance Committee for several years and always felt privileged to be included in church activities. He enjoyed his favorite game of golf, his grandchildren, his great grandson, as well as staying active in the church during his retirement.
He is survived by his son CAPT (USN) Steve Christopher (wife Beth) of Camp Lejeune, NC, his daughter Lisa McMullen (husband Butch) of Cartersville, GA, his brothers James Allen (wife Helen) Christopher of Athens, AL, Norris (wife Barbara) Christopher of Athens, AL, his sister Martha Jane (husband Tony) Benfante of Niagra Falls, NY, sisters-in-law Mrs. T. Cecil (Aileen) Christopher of Athens, Mrs. Harold (Nita) Christopher of Cullman, grandchildren Will McMullen of Macon, GA, Ben McMullen of Cartersville, GA, Laura (husband Joey) Taylor, great grandson Noah Taylor of Cartersville, GA, and many fond nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 1, at Spry Funeral Home, in Huntsville, and the memorial service will be held at the South Campus Chapel of Whitesburg Baptist Church on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 pm. Following the service, burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International or to Whitesburg Baptist Church.
