William J. Nicholson

Franklin, NC - William J. "Bill" Nicholson, age 84, of Franklin, NC died Monday, March 14, 2011 in a local hospital. He was born in Jackson County, the son of the late William J. Nicholson and Lizzie Conner Nicholson. He was a US Army Veteran of WWII and was a member of Johns Creek Baptist Church. He retired from Woodmen of the World Insurance and was a route salesman for Sunbeam Bread. He was a member of American Legion Post #109 and was a former assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 202.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janie Coward Nicholson; one son, Tommy Nicholson and his wife, Lynn of Franklin, NC; one granddaughter, Kimberly Ledford and her husband, Ben; one great-granddaughter, Hannah; two sister-in-laws, Delia Nicholson and Lila Joe Queen. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Susie Nicholson, Bertha Haskett, and Lina Haskett; three brothers, Fuber Nicholson, Frank Nicholson and Elmer Nicholson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home with Rev. Vic Greene and Rev. Lloyd Fish officiating. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery. Mike Breedlove, Joe Breedlove, Steve Waldroop, Ricky Queen, Wade Shope and Warren Henry will serve as pallbearers. Ronnie Dowdle, David Shuler, Nelse Bates, Max Breedlove and Bill Moore will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Coward Cemetery, c/o Brenda Dillard, PO Box 313, Webster, NC 28788.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.