Hurston “Nick” Oliver Nicholas, 82, of Acworth, Georgia, departed this life on Saturday, March 28, 2020.  He was born in Century, Florida, on April 3, 1937.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather,  brother and friend.

Hurston grew up hunting and fishing in the marshes and bayous of Florida and southern Alabama.  His passion for nature led to a 30-year career with the U.S.  Forest Service.  He began his career at Mississippi State University where he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry.  After completing their degrees, Hurston and his wife, the former Mary Ann Mullendore, created a wonderful life together traveling across the United States with their children, living in Mississippi, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.   

Hurston is survived by Mary Ann of the home, his loving wife of 62 years; a son, Allen Nicholas and his wife, Debra Nicholas; two daughters, Allison Nicholas and her partner, Cecil Ward, and Ruthanne Keim and her husband, Jeff Keim; two  sisters, Bobbie Grattet and Patricia Crow McElwee; four grandchildren, Anna Lisa Roberts, Kelsey Nicholas Dismukes, Gabe Nicholas Keim and Audrey Allison Keim; one great-granddaughter, Grace Katherine Roberts, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Hurston was proceeded in death by his brother, Freddie Wayne Crow; his mother, Sybil Nicholas Crow Merritt; his grandmother, Carrie Ryals; and grandfather, Giddon Taylor Nicholas.

A memorial service was held Monday in the Nicholas home with family members and friends joining by conference call.  A celebration of life services will be held at a later date.

The family is grateful for the outstanding care provided by the staff and doctors at Emory University Hospital and the Amity Care Hospice.

Memorials may be made through the Mississippi State University Foundation and designated for the College of Forest Resources. Commitments may be made online at www.msufoundation.com/givenow or checks payable to the MSU Foundation Inc. may be mailed to P. O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.