Harry Nichols Jr.

2/3/1930-5/5/2015

Harry "Nick" Nichols, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 5, 2015. Harry was born in the mining town of Cooperative, Kentucky to Harry and Margaret Nichols. The oldest of five children, Harry attended McCreary County High School, graduating in 1948. Following in his father's footsteps, Harry went to work in the mines. It didn't take long for him to realize that he wanted a better way of life. So when the Korean War broke out in 1950 Harry enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. During his first year of fighting, Harry was wounded. While recovering at the Military Hospital in Japan, his mom and dad did everything they could to get him to come home. Not Harry. He recovered from his wounds and went back to his Division. The Korean War ended and most of his buddies went back to civilian life. Harry realized the U.S. Army could provide him with a better way of life then the coal mines of Kentucky and decided to stay in. He was transferred to Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, where he met Mary Lionakis. He and Mary were married on December 26, 1952 and started a partnership that would last until he passed away, almost 63 years later. Harry didn't realize at the time, though, that when he married Mary, he was marrying her Greek family too…mother, aunts, uncles, sister, brothers, cousins, and second cousins! But Harry's easy going nature endeared him to her family and they came to think of him as one of their own.

Harry served 30 years in the U.S. Army. He rose in rank from corporal to Command Sargent Major, the highest rank possible as an enlisted man. He served in bases all over the United States, Okinawa Japan, Germany and France. He also served one year in Vietnam. Except for Vietnam, Mary and the family traveled with him. His military career, in part, was marked by the birthplaces of his seven children. Steve was born in Salt Lake City, Utah; George in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pete in Price, Utah; Jim in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; John in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; Ann in Okinawa, Japan; and Mike in Huntsville, Alabama.
Fitting a family of nine in military housing was not easy. The typical three bedroom one bath house made for very close quarters. Somehow, though, they were always able to make it all work.
Harry was a picky eater, so the first person he always got to know when he was transferred to a new base was the Mess Cook. He knew by getting to know the Mess Cook he would always be able to enjoy his meat and potatoes, literally…meat and potatoes! Harry, Mary, and the family were always guests for Thanksgiving at the Mess Hall too. A special treat!

Harry loved sports. He played basketball, volleyball, baseball and loved to bowl. His passion for sports was passed down to his children. He coached the boys in baseball, and supported them as they participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was particularly passionate about the University of Kentucky men's basketball team and the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. In later years, he included the Anaheim Angels baseball team in this elite group. He always made sure he had the channel set on the TV so as to not miss a game.

Harry's last military posting was in Southern California. He and Mary decided it was time to settle down and bought a home in La Palma in 1976. Shortly thereafter they became members of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. The family became involved in the Church through Goya and Philoptochos. Harry was an active member of the St. John Bowling Team. He prided himself at being one of their high bowlers!

Harry's family was everything to him. As his family expanded he welcomed them with open arms. Steve married Debi in 1977. They have two sons, Jared and Brad. George married Diana in 1996.
They have two daughters, Paulina and Victoria. George has two children from a previous marriage, George Jr. and Kristen. Pete has one son, Erick. Jim married Joyce in 1990. They have two sons, Harrison and Joseph. John married Marianne in 1987. They have three sons, Nicholas, Alexander, and Dylan. Nick and Mary's two youngest children are Ann and Mike.

Harry loved to tell stories. Sitting around the dining room table after dinner was all it took to get Harry going. And what stories he would tell…a real tail twister!

After retirement, Harry became an avid collector of coins and stamps. After downsizing and moving to Anaheim in 2005 Harry converted a workshop into his office. He loved spending his days in his office, going through his coins and stamps. Harry then decided to create his "Museum" in the garage. He loved showing everyone his military memorabilia, his collections of knickknacks, and his photographs. It was his pride and joy. And everyone looked forward to going on his tour!

Harry is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Mary, his brother Tony (Jane), brother Randall (Ann), brother Jimmy; sons Steve (Debi), George (Diana), Pete, Jim (Joyce), John (Marianne), daughter Ann (Niko) and son Michael; grandchildren Jared, Brad, George, Kristen, Paulina, Victoria, Erick, Harrison, Joseph, Nicholas, Alexander, and Dylan.

The Trisagion will be held Monday, May 11, 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, May 12, 11 a.m. Both will be held at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801. Harry will be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Church General Fund.