Professor Obiajulu Victor Nwanze

Obiajulu Victor Nwanze, 76, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A brilliant scientist, dedicated pastor, beloved educator, and cherished family man, he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering faith.

Born to Vincent and Anna (née Akiti) Nwanze, Obiajulu—affectionately known as Obi—was blessed with an inquisitive mind and a compassionate heart. He earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Analytical Chemistry. He cultivated a distinguished 25-year career in research and development at the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, retiring as the Director of Research & Development.

After a successful career in Nigeria, Obi began a new chapter as a college professor, sharing his passion for chemistry with students at institutions across South Florida, including Nova Southeastern University, Broward College, Barry University, and Miami Dade College. His enthusiasm for chemical titrations was infectious, and students remember him as both detailed and supportive.

A devout Christian and ordained pastor, Obi’s faith was the foundation of his life. He enjoyed singing worship songs that filled rooms with joy and reverence. His dedication to his faith community was only matched by his love for his family. He married his wife, Theodora, in April 1976, and together they raised five children and built a life full of love, laughter, and purpose for nearly five decades.

Affectionately known as the "King of Cringeworthy Dad Jokes," Obi had a remarkable talent for making people laugh. His humor was warm and generous. He believed strongly in hard work, decency, and treating everyone with kindness and respect—values that guided his work in the lab, his mentorship of young minds, and his care for family and friends.

Obi found joy in simple pleasures: bowling, singing with his children, and playing badminton and beach volleyball. His service-minded spirit and caring nature attracted people to him, and he always took opportunities to help or encourage others.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, five children who were his pride and joy, four grandchildren who brought him happiness, several beloved grand dogs that kept him company and made him laugh, sons and daughters-in-law, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews who cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, and two beloved granddaughters.

Obi Nwanze lived a life filled with purpose, faith, and love. His legacy lives on through the students he mentored, the souls he helped guide, the discoveries he achieved, and, most importantly, in the family who loved him dearly. He will be missed profoundly and remembered forever.