Howard Lee Nicholson Sr.

Published 5:09 pm Friday, November 6, 2020

Howard Lee Nicholson Sr., 91, of 1018 Custis Road, Suffolk. transitioned on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in his residence. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of Richard Nicholson and Maggie Hudgins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elnora Nicholson; son, Dwight Ricks; and sister, Virginia Pringle.

He was a graduate of East Suffolk High School and attended Maryland State College and Norfolk State College. After serving in the U.S. Army, Howard went on to have a distinguished career in civil service, first as Supervisor, Audit and Inventory at U.S. Naval Amphibious Base and then as head of the accounting of Accounting Branch at U.S. Naval Supply Center. He retired after 33 years of devoted service.   

His retirement from civil service allowed him to take his skills and acumen and apply them to his other passion, Nicholson Tax Service, where he served as president and CEO for over 47 years and officially retired at the age of 84. 

Howard was extremely active in his church and his community. He served on numerous boards and charities throughout the years. He had a natural curiosity of life and a thirst for knowledge that he maintained to the very end. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Darlene Gamble-Rollins; two sons, Howard L Nicholson Jr (Melvina) and LeNard T. Nicholson (Nicole); a niece, Virginia Ashburn; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as a devoted caregiver, Lisa Barnes.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 at Carver Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk. Flowers, donations and condolences may be sent to Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.