Nelson’s Funeral Home takes the safety and health of families very seriously.  Therefore, we will continue to implement the policy of mask requirements for all individuals entering our facility. Please be considerate and help us as we try to keep our families, staff, and facility safe.

“Little did we know, the day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home”.

On behalf of the management (Eddie and Jackie Nelson) and the support staff of Nelson’s Funeral Home, it is with the sadness that we extend our sympathy and gratitude to the family of Ret. 1st SG Paul Wayne Nickoson, Sr., 77, of Ridgeway, South Carolina, we announce his passing on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving and caring family.

Mr. Paul Wayne Nickoson, Sr., US Army (Ret), passed peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, December 29, 2022.  Paul was born on December 17, 1945 in Charleston, West Virginia.  He was the son of the late Lawrence Nickoson and Juanita Javins.  

Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably.   He did multiple tours in Vietnam.  He spent 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a 1st Sergeant.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism.  

He loved spending time with his wife, Kathyrn Nickoson, and all of his family members. He was an avid fan of Clemson football, NASCAR racing, and boxing.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathryn Branham Nickoson; one son, Paul Wayne (Sissy) Nickoson, Jr.; stepson, Andy (Gail) Branham, three daughters, Sharon Boney, Irish Ann Boney (Sammy), and Susan Renee (Sonny) Rowe; sisters, Wanda Montague, Gaye Wiseman, Donna Smith, and Ruthie Mazzie; grandchildren, Sonny James Rowe, Jr., Paul Zachary Rowe, Diamond Nichole Nickoson, Matthew Wayne Nickoson, Arish Rowe Griner, Leanna Flores, Patrick Lynch, and Autumn Jewel Rowe; his furry friend, Rusty; and sixteen great-grandchildren.  

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Javins and Charles Edward “Eddie” Javins and one sister, Janice Wiseman.  

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Nelsons Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.   Masks will be required for entry into the funeral home.  

A full military graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Sawneys Creek Old Cemetery, 45 Church Dr., Ridgeway, SC. 

Pall bearers are Paul Zachary Rowe, Sonny James Rowe, Jr., Matt Wayne Nickoson, Damion Smith, Patrick Lynch and Kevin Hoffman. Honorary pall bearers are Johnny Peak, Jackie Maddox, Danny Connors, Paul Edward Wiseman, and Freddy Waite.  

Memorials may be made to Sawneys Creek Baptist Church, 468 Centerville Road, Ridgeway, SC or Wounded Warriors Project.