Philip E. Nicholson Sr.

Philip E. Nicholson Sr., known to all as Phil, was born in Chicago, Illinois to Andrew and Maggie (Roberts) Nicholson on May 8, 1937. On October 4, 1958, he was married to his bride, Normalee and from that marriage was blessed with four children: Philip E. Nicholson Jr. (deceased), George A. Nicholson, Lenise J. Nicholson and Kimberly Knippel; five grandchildren: Kenneth C. Frey III, Ftero Nicholson, Cheyenne Nicholson, Kelsey Maka and Garrett Phillips; and one great grandchild: Lexi Frey. Phil spent his life devoted to his family, working hard to provide for his wife and his children as a tool and die maker for many years; first at International Harvester, then running his own business at Mil-Phi Tooling and later at Dana before finally deciding to retire. Even in retirement though Phil never seemed to know how to just relax, he had a zest for learning and no matter how small would find time to learn something new whether it be a computer program, xerox repair or whatever struck his interest at the time. Phil's zest for learning led to his study of the Bible and on June 15, 1996, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah through water baptism. His wife and those of the Central Chicago Heights congregation will remember those early mornings when they would meet the group at the kingdom hall and Phil would often lead the group into the ministry, as well as his service to the congregation as a Ministerial Servant. In his younger days, Phil will be remembered playing cards, bowling, fishing, camping or occasionally golfing. Most of all his family will always remember him for always finding time to be there with a loving and open heart to listen and give advice whenever they needed him most. He never left a conversation without saying "I love you" or "I'm proud of you" and even after almost 55 years of marriage would still hold his bride's hand and say, "I love you." The one-eyed eyebrow raise, wiggling ears (that always brought a giggle to his children) and his wonderful smile will live forever in our hearts. To his daughter's, the song "Daddy's Hands" will play in their heads and hearts forever. For truly the words in ythose lyrics were everything he was as a father.

Tributes

Philip E. Nicholson Sr.

May 8, 1937 - February 22, 2013