Adam Bryant Nicholson

Adam Bryant Nicholson, 57 of Sylva, North Carolina suddenly passed from this life on July 26, 2026 at his residence. He was born August 15, 1968 in Festus, Missouri to Russell Wayne Nicholson, Sr. and Janet I Watkins Nicholson. Known by many simply as the “Gentle Giant”, He was a beloved husband, son, father, step-father, grandfather, navy veteran, and registered nurse.

Adam loved rescuing animals, cooking exquisite food, working with his patients, bird watching, fishing and just being adventurous in the outdoors. He also loved photography, listening to music of all genres, and being a proud father and husband. He will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit, endless generosity, infectious humor and contagious laughter, compassion for others, his loyalty to his loved ones, his thoughtful gifts, how proud he was of his family, and his go with the flow mentality.

Adam is preceded in death by his father, brother Joshua Matthew Nicholson, stepmother Peggy Thomas, brother Russell Nicholson Jr, and sister Kristina (Crabdree) Wilson.

He is survived by his wife Khristi Nicholson, stepdaughter Sydney Moore and her partner Ben Daley, all of the home. Son, James Nicholson of Tennessee, daughter Tia Yvonne Phelps (husband Stephen) and granddaughter Lydia Michelle Phelps of Wisconsin. Sisters, Tammy (Nicholson) Bader, (husband Chris), Vivian Lori Carr (husband Jaime), and brothers, Mathew Aguilar and Terry Crabdree all from Missouri; including many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and very close friends.

There will be a celebration of life for Adam at a family friend’s home in Sylva/Balsam North Carolina at a later date. In honor of Adam’s selflessness and countless donations he made throughout his life to hospitals and shelters (animal, women’s, and unhoused), VA veterans, and to disaster relief when Hurricane Helene occurred; we ask in lieu of flowers, to donate to a local cause, shelter, or group near you in his name.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to serve the Nicholson family.