Richard Michael Nicholson

Richard "Mike" Michael Nicholson
Richard "Mike" Michael Nicholson, 83, of Murrells Inlet, SC, formerly of Hanover, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 19, 2025. He was born August 4, 1941, in Bloomington, Illinois.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Pat Lee and Jim Nicholson, as well as a sister, Gaye Michelle Horne.
Survivors include his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Sharon Nicholson of Murrells Inlet, SC; son, Chris Nicholson and his wife, Lee of Clarksburg, MD; step-daughter, Tammy Ference and partner, Willie Burns of Mt. Airy, MD; grandsons, Ryan Nicholson, Lucas Ference and wife Kristi, and Jacob Ference; sisters, Lindy Jonason of Barnhart, MO, Mary Charlene Freeman and her husband, Paul of Yakima, WA, Anne Marie Clark of El Paso, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike proudly served in the United States Navy. He attended University of Texas, El Paso where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau and graduated with a BS in Physics. He then attended the University of Maryland where he graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Science and attended GW University School of Business.
He spent thirty years in the Federal Government in a variety of leadership roles with the US Patent and Trademark Office as well as the Department of Homeland Security. He was described by a colleague as collaborative, smart, humble, and a dedicated civil servant who was an honest and upright leader.
He enjoyed spending time playing golf, working in the yard, traveling with his wife, watching his grandson play baseball, and especially going dancing. He was very dedicated to his family as well as his friends. He loved the fact that he lived near the ocean as it reminded him of the time, he spent scuba diving, when he was younger.
"Evidence of a life well lived is found in those who love you." Mike, you will be deeply missed by so many.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made in Mike's name to www.navymemorial.org or to https://madd.org/
The family would like to give a special thanks to the first responders including the Horry County Highway Patrol and Coroner's office for the special care and compassion shown to the family members during this difficult time.
Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com
Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.