MSgt. Everett Alan Nicholson, Jr., USAF (Ret.)

Everett affectionately known as “OG” was born in Harvey, Illinois to the late Everett, Sr. and Jurelene (Belt) Nicholson. He was the oldest of five children raised in a loving home in the Chicago suburb of Harvey. He enjoyed the closeness of the community and maintained lifelong connections. He graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1976. He went on to attend Southern Illinois University majoring in industrial technology. As a student at Southern Illinois he met and married the love of his life, Cynthia Robinson.

After marriage, he and Cynthia soon began a new journey when he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and later transferring to the United States Air Force. His military career took the young family all around the world to include, England, Arkansas, Louisiana, Turkey, and finally he settled and retired in Abilene at Dyess AFB. While stationed in Arkansas, he and Cynthia welcomed their only child Mica. He was a devoted father and proud, “girl dad.” Wherever they lived, he became involved with youth sports. Coach OG's girl softball teams would annihilate the competition making his team the one to be on every season. He was a decorated Air Force veteran having received many special honors. He received a medal with one service star for his efforts in the Iraq Campaign. He also received a Service Medal for his efforts in the Global War on Terrorism. During his time in Turkey at Incirlik Air Base, he was an instructor for the NCO Academy.

After a fulfilling and honorable Air Force career, he made Abilene home. He became very active with the softball community as an Umpire. He served in various leadership roles within the USA Softball of Texas District 11 (UIC). He was the jack-of-all-trades when it came to home repair. He spent a lot of time handling many personal home projects, and we have all of the Gadgets to prove it! On a whim, he registered for a Keep Movin Fit Camp and became smitten by the people and the workouts, eventually becoming a beloved Trainer for the Keep Movin Fit Camps.

His easy going, sometimes grumpy, but always old skool spirit will be missed. His nickname really fit his love for old school music. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Peggy Nicholson, Brian Nicholson, and Michael Burns.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Nicholson; daughter, Mica Johnese (Jasmond); his cherished granddaughters, Kelsey and Jasmyn; his brother, Nathan Nicholson; sister, Michelle Stewart; nieces and nephews, Vonteier Stewart, Travonte Stewart-Marle, Juantia Nicholson, Jaemetric Nicholson, Jennifer Townsend and Mykole Burns; great-niece, Juantazia Anderson; a host of extended cousins, aunts, uncles, his softball family; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Gary Sinise Foundation, supporting America‘s heroes & their families.