Willie James Nicholson

Willie James Nicholson was born to Annie Doris Nicholson on February 7, 1948. He was raised and educated in Wilson, NC with his three siblings Lois, Tricia, Larry and his Aunt Florence. He later entered the United States Army. During his time in the military, he was stationed briefly in the Panama Canal before being Honorably Discharged. Upon leaving the military, Willie took up the profession of Cement Masonry, in which he joined the OPCM Local 891. Willie learned and perfected his craft while working for George Hyman Construction and later moved on to Clark Construction, where he excelled and was promoted to Foreman for many job sites until his retirement which he spent a total of 45yrs in the industry. He and his fellow laborers/co-workers often joked about building most of the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area along with parts of the Carolinas.

Willie, also affectionately known as “Nick”, was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan. Although he had the privilege of attending many home games, he preferred watching the games in the comfort of his own home in his favorite recliner. He would always say “you can’t get ‘instant replays’ in the stands”! He also enjoyed playing cards with his buddies at the union hall and listening to ‘oldie but goodies’ as he rolled around town in his Lincolns or whenever heading down South to visit family and friends.

Willie was proceeded in death by his beloved Mother Annie Doris Nicholson-Winley; his Daughter Teresa J. Shepard and his dear sister Celestia “Tricia” Nicholson.

Willie is survived by his Sister Delores N. Hatten, brother Larry D. Nicholson, Aunt Florence N. Ruffin, daughter Teleesa J. Gabriel; nieces Valerie D. Moore, Natalie A. Moore, Kimberly V. Ruffin; nephews Wade H. Moore, Gregory L. Moore, Eric Bonner, Larry T. Bonner and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.