Colonel Nicholas DeMai Jr.

Nick, the son of the late Nicholas and Katie Lee DeMai, was born in Rocky Mount, NC on October 9, 1918. After graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1936, he attended The Citadel and Clemson University, graduating in 1940.

In 1941 Nick joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, later known as the U.S. Air Force. During his 26 year Air Force career he served overseas and in U.S. locations. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1966, Nick relocated to Raleigh, NC where he would live out the remainder of his life. In 1966, Nick accepted the position of Executive Vice President for the North Carolina Homebuilders’ Association (NCHBA) where he led the association through its formative stages and periods of early growth, ultimately including chapters in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Nick retired from the homebuilder’s association in 1983 and was inducted into the NCHBA Hall of Fame in 1995.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Audrey Boone DeMai formerly of Rocky Mount, NC. He was a devoted and generous father of two sons, Nick DeMai, who resides with his spouse Sheila in St. Pete Beach, FL and Kitty Hawk, NC and Richard DeMai with his spouse Charlotte of Raleigh, NC; six grandchildren, Shannon Dunn and spouse Barry Dunn of Poquoson, VA, Carrie DeMai of Kitty Hawk, NC, Stephen DeMai of Cambridge, MA, Jeremy DeMai of Rochester, MN, Jonathan DeMai and spouse Kristen of Raleigh, NC and Cameron DeMai of Raleigh. NC; and three great grandchildren, Noah and Grace Dunn of Poquoson, VA and Lucas DeMai of Raleigh, NC.

Nobody gave of himself more tirelessly and generously than Nick, whether it was caring for relatives and friends, working in his home gardens, or throughout his working career. Nick’s trademarks were integrity and a genteel manner displayed throughout his life.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Springmoor Retirement Community on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends 11:00 am -12:00 pm Tuesday prior to the service at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609. Burial will be held on the family plot at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount, NC on Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to your favorite charities would be appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynneMillbrook.com