Nolan Robert Warnick

Nolan Robert Warnick, 86, of Chincoteague, Virginia, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, September 26 after a short illness. Nolan owned and operated Nolan’s Plumbing Service on the island for over 40 years.

An avid surf fisherman, Nolan and his late wife, Ann, began coming to Chincoteague on weekends and vacations in the early 1970s. They tent camped in Maddox Safari, Campers Ranch, & Pine Grove Campgrounds, spending their days from dawn to dusk surf fishing on Assateague. Nolan loved wildlife, often pointing out the various types of waterfowl and animals in the creeks along the road as he drove. They eventually purchased a camper and spent weekends on Kingfisher Court at Ray and Nora Walker’s property.

Raised in Greenwood, Delaware, Nolan graduated from Greenwood High School in 1956. He was recruited by Major League Baseball, attending one training camp right after high school. Known as an excellent base runner and for his ability to steal, Major League Baseball felt he would be an excellent addition. Unfortunately, according to Nolan himself, although he could run exceptionally fast, the pitches were so fast he never saw them coming. That was the end of his professional baseball career.

He returned to Delaware and joined the Army National Guard. While serving in the Guard he worked at Dover Air Force Base until accepting a position at Shore Distributors. He worked as the manager of the Milford store from the early 1960s until the early 1970s before going to work for Phillip Sharp & Sons for approximately 10 years. He briefly worked for The Associates before deciding to move to the island he came to love.

Nolan moved to Chincoteague permanently in the 1980s, opening his own plumbing service while his late wife opened her own hair salon, Ann’s Hairport. As a veteran himself and son of a veteran, Nolan spent much of his time on the island working to assist veterans and fighting for their rights. He was a Fire Policeman with the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and was extremely proud to be part of the organization that protected his beloved Assateague ponies. During the carnival, Nolan could be found in the Pick-A-Duck booth where he enjoyed chatting with families and children. Recently, on Saturdays, Nolan could be found at the Kiwanis Barn, raising funds for the good that organization did for those in need.

An avid history lover, Nolan spent many hours while traveling searching for Civil War monuments and visiting museums related to that era of history.  Over the past decade, Nolan was often seen walking his best friend, Bryndl down Main Street. He also loved taking visitors on what became known as the “Nolan Tour” around the island. Although he was not born and raised there, he knew things about the island that many locals may not have known.

Nolan was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Gill Warnick, his parents, Archie and Evelyn Warnick, a nephew, Garth Warnick and his great uncles and aunt, Dwight, Walter and Leota Warnick.

Nolan is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Terry and Greg Rogers of Lincoln, Delaware, and Tammy and Joe Knott of Hollywood, Maryland. He is also survived by his grandson, Jeremy Knott of New York City, and his granddaughter and her fiancé, Nicole Rogers and Tyler Hutchison, of Dover. His longtime companion, Rita Reed Westcott, survives him along with her daughter, Heather Westcott, and her grandsons, Skylar and Bradley. In addition, his three brothers, Richard, Claude, and his wife Julie, along with Randall “Randy” and his wife Jane survive him. He also had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless friends who he considered family.

He will be severely missed by his four-legged best friend, Bryndl, who spent many hours on his lap and loved getting Nolan out “walking to the sandcastle and back.”

A celebration of life and memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 1 to 4 PM at the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The family requests that guests bring any photos of Nolan they wish to share, especially stories, remembrances, and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to offset final estate costs. Donations can be sent to Terry Rogers, 20535 Fleatown Road, Lincoln, DE 19960, or Tammy Knott, 44986 Steer Horn Neck Road, Hollywood, Maryland 20636. A donation box will also be available at the memorial.

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