He was born March 15, 1922, in Elkhorn, West Virginia, to parents Mike and Eva (Barna) Hallis. Nick was preceded in death by his wife Wilma, infant son Paul, brothers: Pete, Mike, Andy, and Wash, sisters: Anna, Pearl, Mary, and Julia, and his parents.
Nick proudly served his country as a WWII Army Infantryman, 99th Division, with the 394th, who were engaged in Central Europe, Rhineland, and Ardennes Campaigns. He worked in the coal mines and company store of southern West Virginia and later at the Chrysler Stamping Plant in Twinsburg, Ohio, where he retired. He was a life member of the Moose Lodge and VFW Post 1062. He loved to fix things and work with tools.
Under his gruff appearance, he was a very loving and caring brother, husband, and father. Nick loved to stay up late and watch his Cleveland teams. He attended many reunions hosted by the 99th Infantry Division, held all over the country. His first plane ride was to an Army convention. He and his Army buddies shared stories and enjoyed visiting historic Army sites, while receiving the respect of those they met as they wore their 99er hats and t-shirts proudly.
After his wife Wilma suffered a stroke that limited her ability to get around, Nick took care of her at their home in Cuyahoga Falls. They both moved into the assisted living residence for a year and a half. He often helped other residents and kept the staff laughing. Even during his recent illness, he warmed the hearts of many with his blue eyes and loud BINGO shout.
Nick is survived by his daughter Eva of Charleston, WV, son David and his wife Martha, and granddaughter Katelyn of North Bend, Oregon. Also surviving are his sister Chris Phillips and her husband John of Princeton, WV, many generations of nieces and nephews, friends, and his longtime neighbors Mike and Cindy.
Friends and family will be received Friday, July 6, 2018, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM with funeral service celebrated by the Very Reverend John Zdinak at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St., Akron. Entombment will follow with military honors at Rose Hill Burial Park.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 733 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 or St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 215, Justin Ln, Bluefield, WV 24701.
DONATIONS
St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral733 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44113
St. Mary's Orthodox Church215 Justin Ln, Bluefield, West Virginia
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