Charles Richard Nicholson, age 71, Haleyville, Ala., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 30, 2014.
He was born on Dec. 24, 1942, to the late Grace Vandiver Nicholson and William Luther Nicholson. He served 30 years in the United States Army National Guard and was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in Korea. He worked for the city of Haleyville for 31 years retiring in 2003. He was a police officer as well as the chief of police for four years.
Charles was a dedicated and beloved member of the community. He spent many hours working at Pebble Community Center, was a volunteer firefighter in Haleyville, and was involved with the FOP Toys for Tots program for many years. Charles was an active member of New Prospect Baptist Church and an avid fisherman and hunter. Those that knew him well knew that his fishing “tales” weren’t tall tales; they were true.
Charles is survived by his wife of more that 46 years, Carolyn Nicholson; two children, Tanya (Gill) Galloway and Phillip (Beth) Nicholson; six grandchildren, Nicole, Jason, and Casey Galloway and Taylor, Elizabeth, and William Nicholson; and eight brothers and sisters, Alton (Lois), Earl (Betty), Clinton (Gertie), Jerry (Carol Sue), Terry (Linda), Inez (David) Alexander, Dorothy (Russell) Sewell, Margaret Crane, and Sue (Alton) Poore.
Charles had a very special place in his heart for his mother-in-law, Vernice Phillips, and sister-in-law, Debbie Riddle. There is also a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Vernon and Lowell Nicholson, and two sisters, Idell Rodgers and Juanita Tidwell.
His pallbearers will be Jason and Casey Galloway, Taylor and William Nicholson, Cian Jones, Thomas Harris, Teddy Kenny, and Nathan Jones.
His visitation will be today from 6-9 p.m. at New Prospect Baptist Church in Haleyville, with his funeral on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the church. Brother Hugh Cavender and Dr. Ron Horton are officiating. Burial will follow at Winston Memorial Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorials may make those to New Prospect Baptist Church, 202 Co. Rd. 3463, Haleyville, AL 35565.
