Thomas "Tommy" Wiley Nicholson Jr.

Thomas(Tommy) Wiley Nicholson, Jr. of Buchanan Loop Road in Webster passed away on June 3rd, 2026 at the age of 96. He was the son of Thomas Wiley Nicholson and Velma Henderson Nicholson. Tommy was born in Webster on April 22nd, 1930 and grew up in the house his family bought in the early 1900’s from Captain James Terrell- a confederate Civil War captain.

Tommy graduated from Webster High School in 1948 and attended Western Carolina Teachers College-now Western Carolina University. A native of Jackson County where he lived in Webster most of his life, he was a life member of American Legion Post 104 for over 65 years. Tommy was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He retired from Nantahala Power and Light Company(now Duke Energy) in 1992 with over 25 years of service. Through the years and before declining health, he was an avid outdoorsman and had a great love of the outdoors from the time he was a small child. One of his greatest joys was exploring our mountains. His favorite place and best memories were of Hooper Bald and headwaters of Graham County, camping and fishing with his two brothers-in-law. Tommy was also a happy traveler with his late wife Tommie Jean. Together they visited most states and traveled the western states extensively. Tommy enjoyed family, friends, all sports, flea markets, fishing with his two grandsons Adam & Andrew, and hanging out with friends at Jones Country Store in Sylva.

He was preceded in death by Tommie Jean, his loving wife of 68 years, and two sisters; Ralphine Blanton of Sylva and Virginia McConnell of Georgia. He is survived by his son Gary Nicholson of Asheville, two grandsons; Adam Nicholson of Charlotte and Andrew Nicholson of Mars Hill as well as a niece-Jane McConnell of Georgia, and a nephew-Jerry McConnell of Georgia.

There will be a private-family only graveside service at Webster Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Webster Memorial Cemetery Fund, PO Box 115, Webster NC 28788.