Ray Nicholson

Ray Nathaniel Nicholson, 76, of Norman Park, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Reverend Stephan Massey officiating. His nephew, Dr. Brad Bailey, will also share special words of comfort for those gathered. Conn Cole, Dylan Cole, Nicholas Cole, Cotton Nicholson, Finn Nicholson, and Jeff Cooper will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Born September 29, 1948, in Moultrie, Georgia, to the late Hall Nathaniel Nicholson and Jessie Mae Weeks Nicholson. Ray Nic was an educator, welder, and proud veteran of the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Nicholson, and sisters, Patsy Nicholson Pruett and Margaret Nicholson Cooper.

Ray Nic is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Castleberry Nicholson of Norman Park; daughters Trudy Cole and husband Conn of Barwick, Carol Nicholson of Norman Park, and son Mitchell Nicholson and wife Joanie of Norman Park; grandchildren, Suzanne Manley, Dylan Cole, Nicholas Cole and wife Alexa, Cotton Nicholson, Billie Rose Nicholson, Finn Nicholson, Saree Nicholson; and great grandchildren, Lilah Jane Thompson, Kodi Raylin Cole, Lucas Manley and Harlow Jane (due in December).

In 1968, Ray Nic enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class, later advancing to Specialist 5, where he focused on welding. He served with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. At just 19, Ray Nic was a combat veteran in Vietnam, serving in operations to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Battle-tested, he faced the trials of war with a steadfast love for his country and an unshakable conviction that Communism was the enemy. He was honorably discharged on September 17, 1971. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter, Marksman, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal/1960. As a master welder, Ray Nic was “a mender of all things except broken hearts and the crack of dawn.” For 17 years, he worked at Cope Rendering Company (Moultrie) before shaping young sparks into skilled craftspersons as an instructor at Moultrie Tech and later Colquitt County High School. Under his guidance, several welding teams earned statewide recognition, and many students developed a lifelong respect for the trade. After a victorious battle with cancer, Ray Nic reinvented himself yet again. A proud graduate of The American Motorcycle Institute, he opened a shop that became a haven for fellow riders. He charged a fair price and delivered impeccable mechanical work, which is about the highest praise you can give a man with grease on his hands.

In his later years, his dedication to his fellow countrymen reignited. He faithfully drove the VA bus from Moultrie, Georgia, to Lake City, Florida, ensuring his brothers and sisters in arms arrived at their appointments. Duty, to him, wasn’t a uniform you took off—it was something you carried in your bones. Ray Nic was a man of many loves: family, nature, motorcycles, and animals—especially his wildly loyal Jack Russell Terrier (aptly, and perhaps unimaginatively, named Jack). He could spend hours marveling at the antics of blue jays and the little brown bunnies as they hopped around the bird feeders looking for leftovers. He was also an avid reader. Motorcycles were his passion. When he wasn’t working on one, he was riding on his Harley every chance he got. His daily routine included music and laughter. He loved the Greats – Willy, Waylon, and Merle. He enjoyed sharing funny stories or swapping jokes that left everyone chuckling. Irony was his favorite seasoning, and he served it generously. Ray Nic knew how to laugh at life and taught those around him to do the same. He was proof that you can be tough without being hard, kind without being soft, and funny without being cruel. This man among men will be deeply missed, but as he might say, don’t make too much fuss-just tell a good joke, pet a dog, and love your family. Those who met him know that the world was a better place having had him in it.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.