Edward De Milhau Nicholson

CARY - Edward “Ed” de Milhau Nicholson passed away at Transitions Life Care Hospice, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rowan County to Silas Owens Nicholson, and Valerie de Milhau Nicholson who preceded him in death, Ed lived in Salisbury and Southern Pines, NC as a youth. Ed joined the Marines at the young age of 17 (achieving the rank of Sargent) and served his country with honor and valor as did so many of his generation and was stationed on Guam for 26 months, before returning home, no longer a boy. Within a few years, in Ed’s words, “I did such a good job they called me back for Korea.” Fortunately, he was stationed in Italy where he was selected to meet the Pope, a fascinating story. After his service to his country, he returned home to complete his education, earning his undergraduate degree at NC State University, his masters at East Carolina where he also served as a faculty member and later pursued a doctorate at UNC-Chapel Hill. Ed’s career also included stints as a visiting professor at Pfeiffer University and NC Central University. Later he worked in mental services for the State of NC before returning to teaching (psychology and statistics) in the community college system. A Fulbright Scholarship at one point during his career enabled Ed to immerse himself in the culture of another country. Ed loved teaching and over the years heard from so many of his former students who consistently said he was the best teacher they ever had! Ed traveled throughout the world. He and Wanda enjoyed many adventures and trips earlier in their marriage and he loved to say in later years when health challenges prevented travel “we’ll always have Paris.” Retiring in 1994, Ed continued to ‘teach’ those of us in his life by demonstrating all the traits that can be attributed to a life well-lived. Ed was a man of integrity, honesty, decency, quick wit, and incredible intellect with a keen interest in learning throughout his life and just plain fun to be with whatever the situation. His sense of humor, stories of life were enjoyed by all who knew him. Ed was ageless and to many seemed invincible. Despite the physical challenges of the last few years, he never lost his zest for life. It is true, they do not make many men like him anymore. Ed was one of a kind - the best kind and his absence from this world will be keenly felt by all who love and know him. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 26 years, Wanda R. Nicholson; sister, Winifred Bainbridge; niece, Christine Polo (Mike); nephews, Dr. Steven Bowen (Marie); Thomas Bowen (Alice); great-nephews, Christian LeGuilloux (Lauren), Kerian Le Guilloux (Lauren), his chosen family, Dr. Dean Sprinkle and Janie Harden; Margo Schuler; and his faithful companion, Sarge. The family would like to thank his doctors of many years, Dr. Troy Anderson, and Dr. Richard Daw along with the extraordinary care team of Transitions Life Care who treated him in his final days with the dignity and respect he so richly deserved. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Spring of 2022. To receive information about the celebration of life send an email to: thenicks@nc.rr.com. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may also be submitted at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to Transitions Life Care: 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; or WCPE (The Classical Station): PO Box 828, Wake Forest, NC 27588; or to the charity of your choice.