Late Summer of 1941
Passed October 9, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Lawrence (Larry) Douglas Nicholson passed away peacefully at the age of 83 at an assisted living facility in Palm Bay, Florida on the afternoon of October 9, 2024. Later the same day, Hurricane Milton made its landfall on the western coast of central Florida.
Larry was born during the late summer of 1941 in Jacksonville, Florida where his father worked in the Army Corps of Engineers office on the project of building bridges across the Intracoastal Waterway. In 1950, the family arrived in Melbourne. During his formative years in south Brevard County, he kept busy with Boy Scout activities, the Lions Little League baseball team, and a paper route delivering Melbourne’s Daily Times. Larry enjoyed swimming at the beach and playing tennis.
He was the first of four Nicholson brothers to graduate from Melbourne High School on Babcock: Larry in 1959, Phil in 1962, Ken in 1969, and Dan in 1972. During three summers, he was employed as a student hire to support the Eastern Test Range on the Caribbean islands of Eleuthera, San Salvador, and Antigua.
After graduating from Florida State University, his first employer was Radiation, Inc. where he worked in its financial offices. He enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Korea for a tour. Subsequently, he worked for several companies on the east coast of Florida and noticed a young lady at the First Baptist Church of Melbourne who he later married. Shortly after graduating with an MBA from Stetson University, he moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina to further his career opportunities in the financial area. For his retirement years, Larry returned to south Brevard to enjoy its beaches again.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Eula Nicholson and his brother Phil. He is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Nancy, and two brothers Ken (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and Dan (Tallahassee, Florida). He is also survived by a nephew and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
A memorial service is planned for October 24, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne. Later that same day, he will be interred at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charitable organization of your choice.
Dr. Maxcelle Forrester
from Palm Bay wrote on October 23, 2024:
My condolences to Nancy on the loss of Larry, her dearest friend and lifelong husband.
Nancy, you were always gracious and mindful of him as the priority in life’s choices. You have shown honor, faithfulness, humility, and perseverance towards Larry. You have shown much love and caring kindness because that’s who you are.
I will pray for your strength in the Lord during this difficult transition.
Larry Leasure
from Florence,Sc wrote on October 21, 2024:
To my dear sister, Nancy Nicholson:
I am so sorry for your loss of Larry.! You and I have been through good and tough times together. Just remember that I’m with you during this difficult time in your life. I love you so deeply. Since Larry served in the Army before we knew him, I want to thank him for his service to our country.
Larry Leasure
from Florence,SC wrote on October 21, 2024:
To my dearest sister ( Nancy Nicholson), I am so sorry for your loss of Larry.. I wish I could ease your grief of losing your soulmate. Joyce and I have such wonderful memories of the 4 of being with each other both in Florida and North Carolina when you worked in many positions and Larry worked for the railroad company on base.. Thanks for his service to our country.
I love ❤️ you so much my sweet sister and wish that I could make things easier for you at this time !!
!
Joyce Leasure
from Florence,SC wrote on October 21, 2024:
To Nancy;-
I am so sorry for your loss of Larry.. I can’t imagine what that is like for you at this very difficult chapter in your life. Just remember that I love you more than words can express. I have always loved making good memories with you as I visited you,especially at Christmas in Florida. Remember the time Larry got the flu. Then Danielle got it. It was a funny site to see them wrapped up in blankets. I also loved being with you in North Carolina. You are the best sister in law a person could ever dream of having sweetie. I will always love you and do what I can for you. May God bless you. in the days ahead.
Zions II assisted living
from Palm Bay wrote on October 20, 2024:
Zions Assisted Living Facility We the staff of Zions extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Nancy Nicholson and her family for the passing of her dearly beloved husband of 55 years, Lawrence Nicholson. We at Zion’s want you to know that we are heartbroken and saddened about your husband's passing. Our arms are wide open to continue to love, support, and encourage you during this difficult time.
We know that you were your husband's heart and he was yours. It was always such a joy to watch you two communicate your love to each other on your weekly visit. The hugs, and holding of hands transcend so much love, it would be a mixture of tears and laughter, among staff to watch both of you. Larry knew the weekend was his visiting time and he would ask twenty times before the hour, “Did Nancy get here yet?” come rain or sunshine, you diligently visited him. More so, on the day of his passing, in the midst of a hurricane, you were by his side. We applauded you for your commitment and courage as a wife. He never lacked under your watch. We couldn't speak fast enough for you to respond. You ensure he gets the best care and all his needs are met. We pray that God will continue to grant you the courage you need to accept the things you cannot change. Knowing that he is not dead, he is risen, and he is watching over you, his dearly beloved wife. May his soul find Eternal Rest, and God grant you peace.
From: Zions Family
Dawn Marie Walters
from Palm Bay wrote on October 19, 2024:
Our Heartfelt Sympathy to Nancy Carol Nicholson (wife of the late Lawrence Nicholson), and other grieving families:
We know that you loved, cherished, provided, and cared for your husband until the day he gained his Heavenly wings. Please be comforted knowing that
**His Journey's Just Begun**
Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the pain and the fears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved by you.
Larry will be sadly missed by all of us.
His Care team: Dawn, Mandy, Sharon, Kathy, and Joyce
Larry & Joyce Leasure
from Florence,SC wrote on October 19, 2024:
Nancy, we are truly sorry for your loss.Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of of your husband, Larry!. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We love ❤️ our beloved sister..
Karin Spronz
from Cloudland, GA wrote on October 19, 2024:
A lovely life.
Larry (Nancy’s brother) & Joyce Leasure
from Florence ,SC wrote on October 19, 2024:
We are truly sorry for your loss.. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Larry and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. We love our beloved sister.,Nancy Nicholson.
Larry & Joyce Leasure
Bill Sargent
from Melbourne, FL wrote on October 19, 2024:
Larry was as fine a friend as anyone could ask for. As school mates, and 1959 graduates of Melbourne High School, he was part of a close knit group of friends growing up together. The fact that we were neighbors in the Country Club area of Melbourne grew us even closer. Needless to say, those were good times we all cherished later in our lives. We are saddened with the loss of our friend and I send sincere condolences to his Family.
Late Summer of 1941