The Herald Democrat
December 6, 2012

SOUTHMAYD - Harry Ray Nicholas passed away on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at the age of 92 in Sherman.

Harry was born Sept. 20, 1920 on Bond Street in Denison to William Miron Nicholas and Oma Fay Nichols Nicholas. He was one of 7 children. Harry spent many happy years as a child with his parents, brothers and sisters at the homestead on the Cossatot River in Arkansas. As a young man, he joined the CCC in the late 1930's and had many interesting adventures during his work with that organization.

In the early 1940s he volunteered for the Merchant Marine as an ABS (Able Bodied Seaman) and worked his way to Captain over the span of his 30 year career. He sailed and captained oil tankers for the Merchant Marine-circumnavigating the globe 3 times. Everyone loved to listen to his stories about his travels on the high seas and his adventures while in many ports of call.

He married Gwendolyn Griffin in 1949 and they had two children, Lonnie Alan and Irene Susan. After their divorce, he married Leona Hunt in 1972 and they were happily married for 36 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Oma; his second, wife Leona Hunt Nicholas and brothers William L. Nicholas; Frank M. Nicholas and Claud C. Nicholas.

He is survived by his sisters, Dorothy King of Durant, Okla., Martha Ross of Denison; one brother, Billy J. Nicholas of Foreman, Ark.; and his first wife, Gwen Griffin Nicholas of Sherman. He is also survived by his son, Lonnie Alan Nicholas
of Southmayd; his daughter, Irene Susan Beasley (husband Steve) of Pottsboro; granddaughters, Rebecca Nicholas Read (husband Ben); Jennifer Brattain; grandson John Brattain; and five great grandchildren; Jaxon, Rylei, Stevie, Aidan and Brennan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Friendship Cemetery, 293 N. Friendship Road, Sherman.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society , a charity of your choice or choose to do a kind act for one less fortunate.

The Nicholas Family in under the personal care of The Cravens Funeral Home located at 225 W. Brockett St. in Sherman.
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