John Bates Nicholson, 83, husband of Ruth Bailey Nicholson, passed away at the Hospice House on February 23, 2017 following a brief illness.

He was born in Edgefield County, SC on June 15, 1933 to the late Charles Augustus and Myrtle Booth Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson grew up on the family farm in the Pleasant Lane section of Edgefield County. He graduated from Edgefield High School and joined the Navy as a young man serving in Guam and San Diego, CA. He later joined the Air Force, and was stationed at various air bases in the Southeast. He retired from Monsanto in 1990 with 28 years of service.
Edgefield, his hometown, was always a special place to John. He often remarked how happy he was to get back home after having been away in the service. Until recent health issues curtailed his travels, he made a weekly trip to visit family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, John is survived by his son, Jimmy (Melissa) Nicholson of Kirksey, SC; his two daughters Janice L. Nicholson of Greenwood,SC and Pat Nicholson (Roy Martinez) of Charleston,SC. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Tori N. (Barlas) Ozturk and Nicki Nicholson, a sister-in-law Annabelle G. Nicholson of Edgefield and a sister and brother-in-law Evelyn B. and Ron Wainscott of Frankfort, KY. Also surviving John are his niece, Jane N. Richardson and nephews, Tom Nicholson, Chuck Nicholson and Kenneth Chambers all of Edgefield.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two older brothers, Charlie Nicholson and Meminger Nicholson who died in the Korean War; his sister Helen Chambers, and her two daughters Elizabeth and Shirley, and his faithful companion - his little dog Lucy MayBelle.

He was a member of Laurel Baptist Church and was always very active in church work. Over the years he went on many church missions wherever and whenever help was needed. After retirement he volunteered at Bowers Rodgers putting his handyman skills to work in service to others. He enjoyed scouting out flea markets, thrift shops, the jockey lot and the local farmers market. He also enjoyed gardening. He was a huge baseball and football fan, and made sure to follow the Braves and Clemson Tigers each season.

John was a very special man whose generosity, kindness and spirit will endure and be remembered by all who knew him. He was a man of deep faith and he never wavered from the principles and beliefs that guided him throughout his life. He was a true family man whose greatest joy in life was the well being of his wife, children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Harley Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood, SC on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 5 o'clock pm until 7 o'clock pm.

The funeral will be held at Harley Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 3 o'clock pm with the Rev. Bruce Lowe officiating. Burial will follow immediately afterwards in the family plot at Berea Baptist Church, Edgefield, S.C.

Pallbearers will be Joey Rearden, Randy Rearden, Chuck Nicholson, Tom Nicholson, Roy Martinez and Dennis Cook.

Honorary escort will be T.J Bryant along with the members of the Men's Sunday School Class.

Memorials or contributions are welcome, and may be made to Hospice House, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Laurel Baptist Church, 330 Sample Road, Greenwood, SC 29649.