WHEREAS, Sterling McCoy Nichols, a successful entrepreneur, respected real estate professional and passionate conservationist who worked to maintain the health of the James River, died on December 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hopewell, Sterling Nichols attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and pursued a career as a chemical engineer with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Company, Dow Badische; and

WHEREAS, while working at Dow Badische, Sterling Nichols developed a revolutionary process to control electrostatic charges in carpet fiber that has since been used throughout the world; he subsequently opened a manufacturing facility in South Carolina to produce this unique fiber; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols later changed careers and, with the help and support of his beloved wife, Dottie, established construction and real estate companies that developed single-family homes, student housing buildings, and other properties for more than 45 years; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement, Sterling Nichols continued to offer his wise counsel to his real estate companies when needed as an executive director, but he preferred to focus on philanthropic projects; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols built and helped organize Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to members of the community and their families; and

WHEREAS, as an avid boating enthusiast who relished every opportunity to share his love of the water with family and friends, Sterling Nichols had a vested interest in the preservation of the James River and offered his leadership to the James River Association for many years; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Sterling Nichols volunteered his time with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, the Williamsburg Community Foundation, the James City County Economic Development Authority, and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Sterling Nichols will be fondly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Dottie; his children, Brad and Jennifer, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Sterling McCoy Nichols, a pillar of the Williamsburg community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sterling McCoy Nichols as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.