David "Crash" Nicholson

David “Crash” Nicholson, 78, of Sylva, NC, went home to meet his Lord & Savior on July 17, 2025. Crash was born on January 1, 1947, in Livingston, TN, to Eugene and Lucille Hill Nicholson. He graduated from Sylva-Webster in 1965. After graduation, he briefly attended WCU before joining the U.S. Air Force — a service he was deeply proud of. After leaving the Air Force, he held various trucking jobs and eventually became a long-haul truck driver. In retirement, Crash worked part-time as a limo driver for the casino, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

In addition to his parents, Crash was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Siri Mincey.  He was a member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church. 

Crash never met a stranger, and to know him was to love him. He had many dear and close friends whom he considered family. Once retired, he enjoyed traveling — his favorite destination being Radersburg, Montana, where he loved cattle ranching. He spent his free time watching his grandchildren play a variety of sports (rarely missing a game), as well as hunting, gardening, rocking on his front porch, and arguing with one of his best friends, Parker.

Crash is survived by his two daughters, a son, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: Nikki Gilreath (Brian), Corina Gribble (Brian), and Matt Nicholson (Mandy). His grandchildren are Nick Conrad, Karli Mincey, Brie Silguero (Danny), Morgan Gilreath, Caydon, Sawyer, and Elijah Gribble, and Aiden & Ali Nicholson; and his great-grandchildren are Maverick, Laney, and Lyric.

He is also survived by his brothers, Kenny Nicholson (Karen) and Byrd Nicholson (Anne); nieces Kristi Nicholson and Julie Albert; and several great-nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by his chosen family in Montana: Donny Pesicka, Cody & Donna Pesicka, Jake & Amanda Pesicka, and Tom & Judy Williams.

The family will receive friends on July 21, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at Scotts Creek Baptist Church, with the service to follow. Crash will be laid to rest at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Paul Bearers will be Jim Parker, Donnie Pesicka, Ray Crawford, Dickey Clayton, Arthur Dillard, and Danny Jones. Honorary pallbearers are Kenny Nicholson and Byrd Nicholson.