Posted on 01/27/2018
Capt. William C. Nicklas Jr. USN (ret)
Virginia Beach - Bill Nicklas, 93, passed away on Jan. 19. He was born in Baltimore, MD to Estelle and William C. Nicklas Sr. on April 28, 1924. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1945 (class of '46) and served as a submariner for 26 years.
Being an only child, his early years are largely unknown as he had no siblings to correct the stories he told about himself. No one could have been that good. After he married Florence Etheridge in 1952, his life has been an open book because Flo knows. From a farm in Creeds to becoming a Navy wife, Flo was Bill's other half as they travelled far and wide. They had four daughters, all born in different states.
Bill and Flo were a team in everything they did. One dressed us and the other fixed our breakfast. All yardwork and chores were a family affair and we learned that many hands made the work light. In the church, Bill sang tenor and Flo soprano. Bill taught Sunday school and Flo kept him organized. Flo arranged the flowers and Bill cleaned up the mess. They taught us about setting up and breaking down for church suppers and picnics. They set a lasting example of what the Christian church can do for a family and what a family can learn from serving in such a church.
Bill accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was an officer in the church and spent much of his time trying to learn how he could be a better Christian. When he heard someone was in the hospital, he went straight away to offer assistance and have a prayer at the bedside. The more his faith grew, the more he wanted to serve. He became involved with Habitat for Humanity and the winter homeless shelter program. Bill wanted to help others and show the love of Christ in this world. He was a good and faithful servant.
William Nicklas Jr. is survived by his wife, Flo, his four daughters, Dora, Judy, Ginger, Sharon, and their families which include six grandkids and a growing number of great grandkids. He was predeceased by his grandson, Nick.
A memorial service will be held on Sat. Jan.27th at 4:00 at Lynnhaven Presbyterian Church located at 136 S. Lynnhaven Rd. A reception will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the church's food pantry or building fund. Please www.woodlawngroup.com to share a memory with the family.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Jan. 25, 2018