George William Nickas

George William Nickas, 81, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away December 15, 2016 at Life Care Center of Columbia, South Carolina. He was born on March 9, 1935 in Columbia, South Carolina to William Nick Nickas and Fotika Mavrides Nickas. George graduated from Columbia High School in 1953. He went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a degree in pharmacy in 1957. Following graduation, he opened St. Andrews Pharmacy with his partner Deno Siokos. They remained in business for over thirty years until selling their business to Eckerd Drugs. He continued to work as a pharmacist with Eckerd Drugs until his retirement. George was a devout Orthodox Christian, a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and served on Parish Council for numerous years and was president for many terms. He was Co-chairman of Columbia's Greek Festival for over twenty years. He was an avid Gamecock fan, loved golfing, fishing, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family at his vacation home in Litchfield Beach. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a kind heart and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. George is survived by his loving wife, Mary Wilson Nickas; children, Phyllis Gates (Michael), Staci Ritchey (Jeff) and William "Bill" George Nickas (Sabra); grandchildren, Alexandra, Anna, and Kate Ritchey, Wil and Ben Gates, Eleni, George and Pete Nickas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Nick William Nickas and Mary Nickas Mandanis. The family received friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on December 16, 2016. Funeral services will be at 1:30PM on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1931 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.