Clayton Arthur Nichols

Clayton Arthur Nichols, 85, of Morganton, NC died Friday, May 20, 2011 surrounded by his family. Born in Amesbury, MA on March 11, 1926, he was the son of the late Elmer Gerald Nichols and Natalie Georgia Bennett Nichols. Clayton was a 26 year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He then worked and retired from the U.S. Government. Following his retirement he moved to Morganton and worked for several years as a substitute teacher.Clayton is survived by his wife, Alice Sue Dove Nichols of the home; sons, Victor Nichols and Christopher Nichols; a grandson, Sinjin Nichols; a step-son, Paul Dove and wife, Becky, and their children, Savannah and Thomas Dove; and a sister, Barbara Noyes of Amesbury;In addition to his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by three brothers, Harrison, Gerald, and Robert Nichols.The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2011 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Roger Brackett officiating. Interment of the cremated remains will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church, 1741 Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.