Arnold Dean Nicholson

Arnold Dean Nicholson, 77, of the Norton community, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. He passed peacefully in his sleep and woke up in the loving arms of God, where his faith became sight.

Born November 28, 1947, he was the son of the late Andrew and Edith (Moses) Nicholson, who both preceded him in death. Arnold is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Betsy Dripps Nicholson; a daughter, Tarah Nicholson Grillo, and husband, Eric, also of the Norton community; two grandchildren, Riley Dean Nicholson and Regan Grillo, of Norton; and a sister, Cheryl Ann Owen, and husband Donnie, of Norton, as well as many extended family, friends, and teammates.

Arnold placed his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior as a young boy and was gloriously saved at the age of 14. He was a faithful member of the Hamburg Baptist Church in Glenville for over 41 years, where he served as a Trustee, Men’s Adult Sunday School Teacher, and tirelessly cared for the building and grounds. He loved his Lord and his church. Arnold was depended upon for so much at Hamburg Baptist Church, who will miss him dearly until that glad reunion day.

Arnold was a very successful self-made land management business owner, where he cared for the homes and landscapes of many throughout the southern part of Jackson County. He was like a dad to many in his crew, especially Lorenzo. But one of his favorite titles was that of “Coach”. Arnold mentored and coached countless young men and women in basketball at Blue Ridge School for 19 years.

Anyone that knew Arnold knew that he loved basketball. He starred at Brevard High School and went on to play college basketball at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia and Brevard College. He was a die-hard Tarheel fan, much to the chagrin of his Duke loving grandson, Riley. However, he was most proud of the multiple national basketball championships in the senior games that he and his teams won in several age brackets. Arnold spoke of his teammates like a second family and loved them like brothers. They affectionately called him "Bird”….because he could shoot the lights out! He was inducted to the Jackson County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

Of all his accomplishments, Arnold’s family was the greatest. He led them to Jesus. He loved Betsy, Tarah, Eric, Riley, and Regan so very much! Arnold leaves a tremendous legacy. They will miss him greatly, but have the hope of seeing him again in Heaven.

Home going celebration services for Arnold Nicholson will be at the Hamburg Baptist Church on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 3pm. Pastor Jeremy Queen and Pastor Greg Hamman will officiate. Family will receive friends on Friday evening, March 21 from 6pm to 8pm at the Hamburg Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Blue Ridge Booster Club. Interment will follow the funeral at the Hamburg Baptist Church Cemetery. Appalachian Funeral Services are caring for the family and in charge of the arrangements.