Greene Funeral Home, Inc. | Alexandria, VA
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Obituary For Clarence W Nicholas
Services will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at:
Harvest Assembly Baptist Church 8008 Fordson Rd Alexandria, VA 22306
Viewing: 2pm
Service: 3pm
Burial will be Monday, July 10, 2023:
Time: 11:30 am
Quantico National Cemetery 18424 Joplin Rd. Triangle, VA 22172
At the families request in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Clarence Wayne Nicholas was born to Russell Cornelius and Eleanor Louise Nicholas (Smith) on February 7, 1956, in the Franklin Township of PA. The family moved to Springfield, MA when he was about 6 years old. Clarence attended Springfield Public Schools and played football while attending the High School of Commerce. He graduated in 1974 and enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) IN February 1975. His first assignment after basic training was Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. During his career, he served at Pope AFB, NC, Clark AB, Philippines, Lajes AB, Portugal and Andrews AFB, MD.
While at the High School of Commerce, Clarence met the love of his life, Linda Johnson in 1971 and they were married on August 7, 1976. They were blessed with two sons, Brandon C and Cody R. Nicholas. Clarence was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and played so many roles in the lies of his family and friends. He was caring and had a true genuine love for his family and friends. If needed, he was always there to provide support, guidance and lodging to the family members and was also known as the family Travel Agent and oftentimes Medical Advisor. Clarence enjoyed working out and could be found at one of the local gyms each morning. Clarence also enjoyed cycling and for a number of years raised money for the Wounded Warriors Project. He planned family trips and often put together surprise outings with Linda and their bestfriends Larry Sr. and Mary Franklin. Holidays were always a great time between the Nichols and Franklin households and enjoyed by all who attended. Clarence completed several military courses to include Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy, NCO Leadership School, Medical Service Technician, OJT Manager Supervisor Course and Medical Service Fundamentals. Clarence also received several decorations, medals and awards; Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (when he served in Support of Desert Shield/Storm), AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and more. Clarence retired from the USAF as the Medical Service Superintendent at Eglin AFB, FL i February 1995 after serving 20 years.
Clarence could not stay away from the medical field for long and began his Fairfax County Health Department career in January 1999 as a School Health Aide assigned to Stratford Landing Elementary School. He was a treasured role model and mentor to his students. He even volunteered as part of the parent buddy programs where students were matched up with school staff in various activities to include bowling and learning to play chess. In August 2015, Clarence was promoted to a then-new position of Senior Health Aide.
His commitment to excellence was instrumental in developing this new program. In the field his encouragement and professionalism were critical to the success of both school health aides and nurses. Clarence was also integral to the COVID-19 response from March 2019 through December2020. While deployed, he served as Supply Unit/Distribution Manager, and then moved on to Grand Support Unit Leader. Although he retired in Feb 2021, he returned to support the School Health program during a critical staffing shortage. The Health Department family is grateful for these additional years working alongside Clarence.
Clarence made friends and enjoyed talking to people wherever he went. Whether it was bowling as part of the Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) Bowling League, making sandwiches as a volunteer for the ASBC missions ministry, golfing and fishing with his sons and nephews or meeting up with the Spin Cycle crew at the gym.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; Russell and Eleanor Nicholas, brother-in-law, Charles H. Ferguson, Jr., sister-in-law, Kathlene Ferguson and nephew, David Gatling. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Linda Nicholas, two sons, Brandon and Cody Nicholas (Temeka); three granddaughters, Makenzie, Madison and Saryn Nicholas; four siblings, Gloria Gatling (Ralph), Jacqueline Covington, Daryl Nicholas (Anita) and Bryan Nicholas (Jeanine); three nieces he grew up with who were more like sisters, Bobbi Earley, Valerie Earley, Gwendolyn Cox (Thomas) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus nieces and nephews from both his side and Linda's side of the family; sister-in-law, Cynthia Ferguson, Tanya Hart, Elaine (Ferguson) Cannon and Ruby (Ferguson) Knox; brother-n-law Joe Johnson; best friends Larry Sr. and Mary Franklin and their children, Rukiya and Larry Franklin, Jr. (India); and MANY more family and friends who will profoundly miss him.
Guest Book
I would like to offer my condolences to the Nicholas family. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Clarence, I lived on Rochelle Street, Clarence and his family lived two or three houses down on the other side of the street. We went Kiley Jr. High together and after Jr. High I went to Tech High and Clarence went to Commerce High. I have good memories of Clarence and the Nicholas family. Rest in peace Clarence. May God and Cherished memories be a comfort to the Nicholas family. Lennard Wedderburn
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Dearest Nichols families - we are very saddened for your loss. May you all find some comfort in knowing he now rests in the peace of Christ's sleep. Pete, Crissy, Brendan, Bridget and Conor Reilly
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My family and I send our condolence to the Nicholas family. I enjoyed growing up with him and a neighbor for many years.I have enjoyed our vacations and times together.Yolanda McQueen and famoly.
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My condolences to Linda and Nicholas family Clarence was part of the Rochelle Street Crew and we also worked at Digital he will be truly missed RIH Celestine Taylor
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Clarence was my mentor while working for the health department. I was always a good day when you were working with him. He seemed talented at everything he did. He talked so highly of his family, he especially smiled when he spoke of his talented educator wife. I am so sorry for your great loss. He was admired by many.
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In loving memory of my nephew. I will always remember as a small boy he always wanted my Kool-Aid. The last time I saw him he jokingly asked for some Kool-Aid. My he rest in peace. Will always remember you and love you. Aunt Dot
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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nicholas when his granddaughter was in my classroom and then working with him briefly as he filled in for the health aide at my school. He always had a smile and the students loved him. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Nicholas family. ~Angela Klopson
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My condolences to the Nicholas family. I have so many memories from growing up with the family. Love you all...Andrea Goodman
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I met Mr. Nick at Stratford Landing where he took excellent care of both of my kids while they were there. Our friendship extended to the gym and working out with Darius. Mr. Nick was a wonderful person and I will always remember his kindness and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. -Anna Knapp
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Lots of great family memories with Clarence in them. What stands out most is that he was loved and respected by all of the family; those close and those out of state. He was consistently calm. Wise beyond his years. Always displaying his love and commitment to family. I'll miss our fitness stories. Rest in Heaven Clarence. Your extended family will miss you dearly. Gone too soon. Laurie
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I'll continue to lift my cousin's family up in prayer and treasure the memories of our family times together, Carol
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I met Mr Nick at the gym. He always had a fabulous smile on his face and always was a pleasure to work out with. Everyone loved him. My sincere condolences to the family. Pamela Roberts
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Mr. Nick was the clinic aid at Stratford Landing when I taught there. It was my first job out of college and Mr. Nick taught me so many "tricks". The beloved wet/frozen sponges as ice packs that cure all ailments, the power of a bandaid even when there is no visible cut, and the amazing use of a wet paper towel. He was so caring. He helped teachers and students a like. He became a friend quickly. I am sending his family love during this time. Mr. Nick will be missed by all.
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Mr. Nick was such a positive influence on so many teachers and students at Stratford Landing. He was a truly classy gentleman admired by all. Ellen Hoffman
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I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Nick's passing. I worked with him at Stratford Landing and then briefly last year when he helped out at Belle View. He remembered me when he saw me after several years and asked how both my own kids were doing. He was always so friendly and calm! He brought comfort and smiles to everyone every day. Ann Hardin
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You will be missed . He was a great person .Rest in peace.
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I had the good fortune to work with Mr. Nick at both Stratford Landing, and later, Bush Hill. He was the best. Every time I saw him at Bush Hill, it was like coming home. He would smile, give me a hug, and then tease me. He was amazing, and he will be dearly missed. Elizabeth Linsley
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I was lucky enough to teach with Mr. Nick at Stratford Landing Elementary. He was truly one of the best people I have ever met. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile, and he made around him smile too. My favorite memory is when he spoke at 6th grade graduation. He shared this great motivational message while at the same time roasting the 6th grade students. He knew everybody by name, and he called out several kids for silly things they had done over the years. He had the ability to tease without ever belittling kids. All of the kids at the graduation ceremony laughed all the way through his speech, as did the adults, but we all came away inspired to do good in the world. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know him over the years. He will be greatly missed. Lianne LaFleur
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I taught with Mr. Nick at Stratford Landing Elementary School for many years. He was a great guy! The students loved him. He had the ability to make everyone feel better, often curing them with one of his famous frozen sponges. Nick was always positive and upbeat. We always felt lucky to have him as our school nurse. He was one of a kind. I know he will be missed by his family and friends. I retired in 2015, but I still have vivid memories of Mr. Nick stories. He left his mark on many teachers and thousands of students. Stephanie Falvey
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Greene Funeral Home, Inc. | Alexandria, VA