Charles Dean Nichols, Sr., 85, passed away Sunday, May 22nd at his residence.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 25th at First Baptist Church of Laurinburg, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Wayne Wike and Rev. Dr. L.D. Kimrey. Burial will be private.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Faye Rorie Nichols; his sons, Dean Nichols (Candy), Ken Nichols (Carol) and Phil Nichols all of Laurinburg; one sister, O’Nell Young of Hartsville, SC; grandchildren Charles Nichols (Melanie), Erin, Amanda and Emma Nichols; great-grandchildren Hudson and Harper Nichols.
Born March 10, 1931 in Union, SC, he was a son of the late William Oscar Nichols and Janie Jolly Nichols. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Nichols; brother, Ralph Nichols and sister, Louise Nichols.
Charlie, as he was known to his family and friends, “Daddy Nick” to his grandkids who he adored, was a devoted family & business man, faithful member of the First Baptist Church and a United States Marine Corp Veteran.
Charlie never stopped working and could be seen driving around town checking on the stores on any given day. His attention to detail, dedicated customer service and strong work ethic led to a lifelong of entrepreneurial success in the service station and convenient store business. He opened his first service station, “Nichols Esso,” on Church Street in 1953. He moved to South Main Street and opened the “Nichols Auto Mart” in 1963. In 1971, he started the “Nic’s Pic Kwik” chain in Laurinburg and surrounding cities. Charlie was extremely appreciative of everyone who supported him and helped him build his businesses throughout the years; in doing so, he maintained a loyal employee and customer following.
Charlie had a deep love for horses, which inspired him to help establish a horseback riding program for handicapped students at St. Andrews as well as support and lead a fundraising effort to build the first horse barn at St. Andrews.
He had a giving heart and his love spread throughout the community. He was a charter member of Laurinburg Optimist, supported numerous local organizations and charities, and was always willing to assist- he never met a stranger.
He was loved and adored by his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 883, Laurinburg, NC 28353 or Scotland Regional Hospice, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353.
Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24th at the McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.
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