William “Mike” Nicholson

December 8, 1959 - August 14, 2014
William “Mike” Nicholson

Memorial Gifts & Donations




William “Mike” Nicholson, age 54, of Wilmington passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 14, 2014.

Mike was born in Chamblee, GA, on December 8, 1959.

He worked in the Nuclear Power Industry as an Instrumentation and Control Technician.

He served with honor in the United States Army as a Tank Driver, and was a member of the American Legion Biggs-Kramer, Post 545, Disabled American Veterans,and Army Veteran Tank Drivers.

Mike was predeceased by his father Elwyn Nicholson and loving wife and mother Marlyn Gurganus.

Mike is survived by his wife Madeline, daughters Angela and Tricia Nicholson of Wilmington, NC, mother Betty Ann Nicholson of Wilmington, NC, sister Karen Merritt, of Pinehurst, NC, and Vicky Carter, of Coto de Caza, CA, brothers Jason Self of Covington, GA, Artie, Steve and Sean McConnell all of Gainsville, GA, stepson Jay Curtis and grand daughters Aurora and Sierra of Attleboro, MA, stepdaughter Michelle Curtis of Austin, Texas, and niece Britney Farmer of St. Petersburg, FL. With love to all my Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Jesus Loves You!

A memorial prayer service in celebration of Mike’s life will take place Friday, August 22, 2014 at 6:00 PM at Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church, 5350 Hollytree Road, Wilmington, NC 28409. (910) 793-6005, Pastor Pat Hall officiating.

Please share condolences and memories with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Arrangements are in the care of Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • August 18, 2014
    Charlotte M. Matthews says:
    My deepest sympathy for your loss Madeline, Karen, Aunt Betty, Angela, Tricia, Aurora, Sierra, & all of Mike's extended family & friends. Our Lord promises to get us through these hours of missing Mike. He was well loved by so many & will be missed. I'll always remember he introduced me to the music of Three Dog Night...we'd sit by the stereo in their living room in Kennesaw listening to records. He'd be rolling his tongue, tapping his fingers on his legs, as if they were his drum set, or strumming his fingers, as if we're playing a guitar.He'd start singing, teaching me the words & we'd have such a great time. Those who knew him well, know he learned these instruments & loved to play & sing. I'll miss you Mike, but I'll see you again.♡

  • November 09, 2014
    Betty Hagopian says:
    Madeline, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. My heart goes out to you. I know there will be an empty space in your heart forever, but hopefully you will have the faith and strength to move forward in your life.

  • August 19, 2014
    Phillip Yancey says:
    Mike was my first cousin and the same age as me. His father Elwyn Nicholson and my mother Janet Nicholson Yancey were siblings. We used to play together as kids when visiting my maternal grandmother outside Abbeville, SC. Mike, you will be missed. Rest in peace.

  • August 21, 2014
    Mary Teasley says:
    Mike and I were first cousins on his mother's side...my dad and Aunt Betty. My sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort go out to all of you.

  • August 21, 2014
    Uncle George and Aunt Net says:
    We always enjoyed Mike's visits in our home.As a little boy he enjoyed spending time with Bill and Eric. Mike loved his family and we loved Mike. He will be missed.