Fred N. Nicholas

May 9, 1940 - May 22, 2023

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church

1821 White Street

Anderson, SC 29624

(864) 226-8621 |

Friday 5/26, 12:00 pm

Fred N. Nicholas,83, beloved husband of 64 years to Del Rita Fenstermaker Nicholas, of Fair Play, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.

Born in Waterloo,IA, he was the son of the late Magdelena Alberts Nicholas and Fred Nicholas, Sr.

A man of faith, Fred was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Margaret’s in Maggie Valley. His spirituality provided him with strength, guidance, and a sense of purpose throughout his life.

Fred was a man of many talents, he had an extraordinary gift for gardening, his green thumb was so remarkable that he could grow a palm tree in the unforgiving climate of Alaska. He also possessed an incredible talent for fixing things. No matter the problem, he had a knack for finding a solution and bringing life back to broken objects.

Fred was a car enthusiast with a particular fondness for Corvettes. He had a penchant for collecting knives, coins, and guns, appreciating the craftsmanship and history behind these items. Each piece held a special significance to him and added to his vast collection.

Although sometimes known for his hard-headedness, Fred’s determination and strong-willed nature were endearing qualities that made him a resilient and admirable individual. He possessed a remarkable memory, often surprising friends and family by recalling events and stories from decades past.

To his grandchildren, Fred was affectionately known as “Gramps.” He cherished his role as a grandfather, delighting in creating lifelong memories together. He leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories that will forever be treasured by his family.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by daughters, Beverly Nilsson (Kenneth), Sherry Willis (Jeff), and Diane Huppe (Armand); grandchildren, Jason and Jennifer Orazi, Samantha Jackson (JoeWade), and Steven Huppe (Natalie); and a great-grandson, Grady Jackson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers; and a sister.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 1821 White St., Anderson, SC 29624. Entombment will follow in Oconee Memorial Park.

In addition of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, http://www.shrinerschildrens.org, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, http://www.stjude.org.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Fred with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church

1821 White Street

Anderson, SC 29624

(864) 226-8621 | Map

Friday 5/26, 12:00 pm

Fred N. Nicholas,83, beloved husband of 64 years to Del Rita Fenstermaker Nicholas, of Fair Play, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023. Born in Waterloo,IA, he was the son of the late Magdelena Alberts Nicholas and Fred Nicholas, Sr. A man of faith, Fred was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Margaret’sContinue Reading

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Gramps, I don’t even want to write this because I just can’t accept it. I could write an entire book on how important and special you are to me. No matter what I’ve done in my life, I have always had you there. Every dance competition, recital, games I cheered for, graduations - you were there for it all, big and small and while you never failed to let me know how proud you were, I hope you know I will forever be proud of you. I am the luckiest girl in the world that I got 30 years to love and be loved by such a gem, but I have to say.. that wasn’t enough. I truly don’t want one holiday, meal, or family get together without you - it will never be the same. I would give anything for one more big (overly assertive) bear hug from you. We will get through this because we all have each other - thanks to you. I can’t wait to see you again, and until then I will miss you every second of everyday. I love you forever Gramps.

It has been an honor to have meet Mr.Fred and to be invited to the family. Mr.Fred was a man of many stories which I enjoyed sitting with him for hours at a time hearing of his many life long adventures, including both our favorite pass time (fishing). Mr.Fred excepted me with no questions asked as I was born into his immediate family and I will never forget his kindness. With that said I will miss and always remember this great man. God is lucky to have a man of his caliber at his side for eternity.

Gramps, what can I say.. all of our ideas of you retiring were way different than this! You're now in what could possibly be the greatest place ever! I trust & believe that our spirits are eternal & that you are more alive now than ever. We'll have our moments of grieving here on this earth, but the angels & all of heaven are glad to have you. May we not get stuck grieving; I know you wouldn't want us to be sad & you definitely wouldn't have wanted to be taken care of, had you stayed. Haha, I just envisioned how much you'd love to be waited on.. Continue to send us all nuggets of your love as we continue on in our days, we're gonna need it! Without you physically here, there will be a huge void. Whisper to me tricks for my garden & all the crazy projects I get myself into. There's no denying the Nicholas drive that's within me! Fly high gramps, I love you! "Spirit in the Sky"

It's hard to believe that you are gone, you will be thought of and missed daily! We shared a lot of good times together and I will have those memories for a lifetime. Not a day will go by without a thought or memory of you in our lives. Rest in Peace!

To my dearest Dad, I am so sad and heartbroken that you have left us so soon, I truly am not ready to let you go! Although you have left me with loving memories, it is the new chapter in your life / our life that I am so saddened to be unable to experience. It is the simple things that I will cherish and miss the most; the last night card games (thank goodness Mom and I finally won a few), the storytelling and music while sitting by the fire that you so dearly enjoyed, the boat rides and soaking up of the sun on the dock. Wish we could have one more of everything that made you happy! I will miss you each and every day! You will stay in my heart forever! Love you, Dad!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In loving memory of my dear Dad, who taught me everything, I know and loved me unconditionally. Your, guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. A loving father, tender and kind, what a beautiful memory you left behind. We always had the best of times. You will always be in my heart…because in there you’re still alive! Love you forever ❤️

You are in my prayersLove Beryl

Rays Of Solace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Fred Nicholas by Anonymous. Send Flowers

With deepest sympathy and love.

Vibrant Sympathy Planter was purchased for the family of Fred Nicholas by Carol Smith and Family. Send Flowers

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Fred was a great man, wise and successful in business, but more importantly loved to be with his family. I hope each of you have peace in knowing he loved all of you in very special ways. Peace and Love to all, Lynne

A very special man! We were lucky enough to know him. Love to you all! Wayne, Lisa, and Alex Cabe

Comfort Planter was purchased for the family of Fred Nicholas by The Cabes. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Fred Nicholas

Dad, you have been a great father-in-law and friend to me, we have shared many laughs together over the years. Today I was remembering us taking Samantha and Steven four wheeling and how much you enjoyed that, you were allways ready to go anywhere, you made me laugh when you would say, "if you don't want me to go, don't ask". When my dad passed, you helped fill the void in my life, and I am greatfull for that, I love you and will miss you very much.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Sue and Don

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Fred Nicholas . Plant a Tree

To my beloved beautiful DAD… I am broken you left me way too soon! I had so many things for us to accomplish and enjoy together.You were beyond my dad you were my friend, we worked side by side for 30 years and I wouldn’t change a thing. I will always remember the beat in my heart as the beat to our music,dance,and songs we shared and I will miss you each and every day of my life My life will NEVER be the same. You had always called us the “Ralph brothers”… and that plural is hard to continue alone. I LOVE YOU FOREVER DAD!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.