Nick Nail

1937-2021

It is with great sadness the family of James Nicholas “Nick” Nail, III announces his unexpected passing on Sunday, January 10, 2021 from complications of the coronavirus. He was 83 years old. Nick died peacefully at home, with his wife of 51 years by his side.

He is survived by his beloved wife Charlotte Nail; daughters Nicole Herman (spouse Shane) and Noel Beebe (spouse Jeff); and grandchildren Josephine Herman and Griffin Beebe; his brother Steve Nail (spouse Becky); and numerous nieces and nephews. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, James Nicholas Nail, Jr. and Estelle Nail.

Nick started working in Houston’s oil and gas industry in the 1960s. He was successful, becoming the President and CEO of Groth Corporation and later the founder and CEO of The Nicholas Corporation, dedicating his efforts to the mergers and acquisitions of companies in oil and gas and related industries.

To all who knew him, Nick was a larger-than-life character. His big heart and love affair with life were notorious and his sudden passing leaves a large wake in his stead. Nick was a kidder, food enthusiast, big thinker, vociferous reader, golf addict, music lover, and a dyed-in-the-wool romantic.

Nick was a native Houstonian through and through. He graduated from Milby High School and The University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and served on the Board of Industrial Engineers. Nick joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1960 and became a Director in 1975. He volunteered on several HSLR committees, including as the Chairperson of the Poultry Auction Committee from 1989-1991. He became a Lifetime Director 13 years ago. Nick also enjoyed musical theater and held season tickets (third row, center) for over 40 years. He inspired his daughters to embrace the arts; they both went on to attend Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Nick’s favorite place was outside of Austin, TX on Lake Travis. There, he enjoyed decades of boating, golfing, and cocktails over majestic sunsets. Nick and Charlotte built their dream vacation home on the lake over 20 years ago and visited regularly. They shared great times there with family and friends, including fishing and devouring “Sunset Sundaes” with their treasured grandchildren.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Nick’s memory may be directed to Houston’s COVID-19 Lost Loved One Fund through Memorial Assistance Ministries: 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080.