nicholson obit | NNWA SUPPLY ANNEX

Dennis Nicholson, Jr.

Sunrise: November 13, 1935
Sunset: April 1, 2025
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Dennis Nicholson, Jr. was born on November 13, 1935, in Pitt County, North Carolina, to the late Dennis Sr. and Lottie Mae Nicholson. He was the youngest of two children and spent his childhood working alongside his parents, fishing, farming, and caring for the hogs and chickens they raised and sold at the market.

As a young boy, he moved with his family to Trenton, North Carolina, and attended Jones High School where he was known as a “cool cat” and lettered in football. His love for football continued throughout his life, even though he was a Washington Redskins fan. Although others had eyes on him, he only had eyes for his high school sweetheart, Queen Esther Harris. His initial desire was to join the Air Force, but his buddy did not qualify, and he didn’t want to go alone, so they joined the Army.

From 1954 to 1956, Dennis served honorably with C Company of the 39th Infantry Regiment, including a tour in Germany. On one of his parachute jumps, he was injured, and he decided that if he could no longer be an Airborne paratrooper, he wanted to try something else.

In 1957, inspired by his future brother-in-law, JC Harris, Dennis joined the U.S. Navy, where he continued his adventures of military service on shore and sea duty assignments in various locations across the continental US and overseas. One weekend in 1958, Dennis and JC borrowed a school bus, picked up Queen Esther from church, and eloped to Portsmouth, Virginia. That spontaneous and heartfelt decision marked the beginning of a remarkable love story that spanned over six decades.

Before retiring from an exceptional 22-year Navy career from 1957-1979, Dennis held several vital roles, including Ordnance Mechanic, Weapons Mate, Nuclear Weapons Technician, and Equal Opportunity Specialist. His professionalism and sense of duty earned him respect among his peers and left a lasting legacy in the service.

After military retirement, Dennis found success managing several locations within the convenience store industry. He was also a man deeply rooted in faith and community, serving as a Trustee, member of the Men’s choir, and member of the outreach ministry and the Silver Saints at Abyssinia Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA. His quiet strength, integrity, and devotion to service were evident, touching the lives of his family, friends, and fellow congregants.

Dennis has joined family members that have previously transitioned; his mother, Lottie Mae Nicholson (Morris); his father, Dennis Nicholson, Sr.; his mother-in-law Ethel B. Harris; his father-in-law Andrew J. Harris; his brother, Jack Cornelius Nicholson, Sr. (Doris); his son-in-law Wayne Elliott and his grandson, Tyler Tolson. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the love, wisdom, and inspiration he shared with us all.

Dennis is survived by his devoted bride of 66 years, Queen Esther Nicholson of Chesapeake, VA, and their five children: Gerald A. Nicholson (Aliyah) of Atlanta, GA; Beverly Y. Elliott of Portsmouth, VA; Bernadette M. Nicholson-Tolson (Todd, Sr.) of Patrick Space Force Base, FL; Yolanda D. Nicholson of Chesapeake, VA; and Dennis A. Nicholson III (Orbrea) of Chesapeake, VA.

Dennis will be forever cherished by his grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Peepa”: Tyrrell D. Nicholson of Portsmouth, VA; Cameron W. Nicholson of Richmond, VA; Todd F. Tolson, Jr. of Arlington, VA; Janiah R. Nicholson of Olathe, KS; and Jenelle D. Nicholson of Chesapeake, VA. His legacy also lives on through his great-grandson, Kayden J. Nicholson of Portsmouth, VA. He also treasured his Godsons, Demarquis and Deonta Abney. He held his shipmate Randy Walker, along with Randy’s wife Mary and their family, close to his heart and cherished them deeply. In addition, he is remembered fondly by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives he touched through his love and guidance.

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