Obituary of Melvin Guy Nicholson, Jr.

Melvin G. Nicholson, Jr., (“J.R.“ , “Junior“, “Doc”), 83, died Tuesday, April 19th 2016, at his Maplewood home with his family by his side, after bravely battling Alzheimer‘s for the last two years. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia (Evans) Nicholson, his sons, Mark E. Nicholson (wife Patricia), Paul G. Nicholson (wife Kathy), Eric J. Nicholson (wife Melissa) and his daughter Dona L. Warner (husband Gary). In addition, he leaves six grandchildren, two great granddaughters, nieces, nephews, many acquaintances and close friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Betty. Born and raised in Bridgeport, West Virginia, the only son of Melvin G. Nicholson Sr. and Hilda Madge (Morrison) Nicholson, he was a brother to four sisters; Betty, Nancy, Mary, and Jean. Melvin was a lifelong resident of Bridgeport. After graduating from Bridgeport High School in 1951, he began working at Crimm’s Esso in Bridgeport, WV. Melvin and Patricia were high school sweethearts and they were married on March the 8th, 1951. Melvin was employed by CNG Transmissions, where he held the position of Senior Level Draftsman. He retired after 35 years of service as Chief Design Engineering Draftsman. As a sideline, Melvin used his drafting skills to help many people design their homes, and provided blue prints to contractors like Ray Blake Construction, Leo Riley Contractor, and Hinkle Brothers Construction. An avid golfer, he played all of the local courses; and played in several tournaments with the Gas Company. Melvin’s favorite hobby was flying remote controlled airplanes. He was known for teaching new hobby enthusiasts and children how to build and fly their planes. He was also known as the “go to” guy within his Model Aviation Club here in Clarksburg when it came to locating a special part or answering a question on a unique project. He built his planes from kits, spending hours looking over prints, instructions, cutting balsa wood pieces and installing fueled engines, minute wires and gears, resulting in a beautifully hand-crafted, functionally operating, model of an airplane. His love of the Model RC Aircraft earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from his club. He and Patty enjoyed many hours at the Air Field with their dear friends. The family requests donations be made in Melvin’s memory to Peoples Hospice, 327 Medical Park Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330 or Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue 7th floor, New York, NY 10001. Friends will be received at the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV on Thursday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Dr. C. Michael Hopkins presiding. A private interment will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport, WV. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Nicholson family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.