Fred William Nicholson

Fred W. Nicholson, 68, went home to be with his Lord, Monday morning March 26, 2012 at Medwest Haywood Hospital. A native of Jackson County, he was the son of Hardin and Beatrice Seay Nicholson. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and member of the National Guard, he retired as a Supervisor for the Department of the Interior, Blue Ridge Parkway and was employed at Balsam Mountain Preserve. He loved to prospect for gold, fish, listen to bluegrass music and spend time with family and his grandkids. He was a member of Balsam Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his son, Fred Nicholson Jr., a grandson, Austin Nicholson, a brother, Harley Nicholson, and his sisters, Nancy Nicholson and Wilda Wood. He is survived by his wife of 20 years,Barbara Reece Nicholson 4 Sons- Steve Nicholson of West Palm Beach, Fla., Brian Gentry and his wife Amanda of Balsam, Nathan Gentry of Waynesville and Michael Gentry and his wife Courtney of Balsam. 1 Daughter- Stephanie Hampton and her husband Kenny of Clyde 2 Brothers- Jimmy Nicholson and his wife Gloria of Waynesville, Johnny Nicholson and his wife Joanna of Balsam 2 Sisters- Wanda Medford and her husband Terry of Waynesville, Linda Nicholson and her husband Clarence Russell of Otto. Brother-in-laws- Cooter Wood of Sylva, Joey Reece and his wife Dale of Mississippi Sister-in-law- Pat Wright and her husband Johnny of Brevard 11 Grandchildren- Mattie Gentry, Taylor Varner, Blake Gentry, Canaan Gentry, Payton Gentry, Josh Hampton, Kevin Stiles, Danny Hampton, Jason Hampton, Chris Hampton, Alyson Hampton 5 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, March 30, 2012 at New Hope Baptist Church with the Revs. Gary Putnam, Phillip Wyatt and Mike Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Thursday evening at Appalachian Funeral Services. On online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com . .