John Vinson Nicholson, Jr., was born on March 7, 1945, in Winnsboro, South Carolina, the son of J.V. Nicholson, Sr. and Mary Palmer Nicholson. He was predeceased by a sister, Rose Nicholson Smith. John attended school in Ridgeway until moving to Spartanburg at age 13. After graduating from Spartanburg High School in 1963, he attended Georgia Tech for one year before returning to Spartanburg where he graduated from Wofford College with a B.S. in Biology in 1967. At Wofford, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. John did post-graduate work at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Biology and subsequently attended the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 1974.
John practiced general dentistry for 27 years in Winnsboro, South Carolina, while also serving his country in the United States Army Reserve for 24 years, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
John served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ridgeway and as its Chairman. He also served on the Boards of Directors of Chester Telephone Company and Community Resource Bank as well as the Board of Trustees of Lander University.
A faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, John served on the Vestry and as church treasurer. Because John treasured his Scottish heritage, he enjoyed his membership in the St. Andrews Society of Columbia. He was also president of the Winnsboro Rotary Club and a member of the Mount Zion Society.
After practicing dentistry, Johnny retired to the life of a gentleman farmer, taking care of his family home in Ridgeway and doing the things he loved most: spending time with his grandchildren and long-time friends, driving his tractors, and traveling with his family.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen McMaster Nicholson, daughter Elliott Nicholson Grow (Justin), son John Palmer Nicholson (Katie), and four grandchildren: William McMaster Grow, Eva Nicholson Grow, Kitt Ambrose Nicholson, and Bennett Palmer Nicholson. Johnny also leaves behind a dear brother-in-law, K.R. McMaster III, a niece, Emily Smith, and many cherished cousins.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Richard Winn Academy, or a charity of one’s choice.