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2020 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 236
Celebrating the life of Sterling McCoy Nichols.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 24, 2020
Agreed to by the Senate, February 27, 2020
 

WHEREAS, Sterling McCoy Nichols, a successful entrepreneur, respected real estate professional and passionate conservationist who worked to maintain the health of the James River, died on December 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hopewell, Sterling Nichols attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and pursued a career as a chemical engineer with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Company, Dow Badische; and

WHEREAS, while working at Dow Badische, Sterling Nichols developed a revolutionary process to control electrostatic charges in carpet fiber that has since been used throughout the world; he subsequently opened a manufacturing facility in South Carolina to produce this unique fiber; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols later changed careers and, with the help and support of his beloved wife, Dottie, established construction and real estate companies that developed single-family homes, student housing buildings, and other properties for more than 45 years; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement, Sterling Nichols continued to offer his wise counsel to his real estate companies when needed as an executive director, but he preferred to focus on philanthropic projects; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols built and helped organize Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to members of the community and their families; and

WHEREAS, as an avid boating enthusiast who relished every opportunity to share his love of the water with family and friends, Sterling Nichols had a vested interest in the preservation of the James River and offered his leadership to the James River Association for many years; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Sterling Nichols volunteered his time with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, the Williamsburg Community Foundation, the James City County Economic Development Authority, and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols will be fondly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Dottie; his children, Brad and Jennifer, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Sterling McCoy Nichols, a pillar of the Williamsburg community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sterling McCoy Nichols as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.