Wayne Anthony Nicholson

Wayne Anthony Nicholson, son of Delores Budhai and Morris Nicholson, was born on May 22, 1972 in Kingston, Jamaica. He departed this life on October 20, 2023 in Harbor Grace Hospice. He received his early education while growing up in Jamaica. Upon completing his schooling at St. Catherine High School, Wayne pursued his passion for music as a sound engineer and was well-known in the dancehall industry as Tootie Wayne. After moving to New York in the early 1990s, he joined the sound engineering staff at the renowned Philip Smart HC&F Studio where he mixed music for top reggae artists like Super Cat, Shaggy, and Rayvon. Wayne’s love of music was evenly matched by his love of cooking. From an early age, he learned and perfected his recipes at the side of his maternal grandmother, Florence Budhai. In 2006, Wayne fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant, Island Paradise, in Georgia, which he co-owned and built alongside his former wife and lifelong friend Latoya. He fathered three beautiful children and was the grandfather to three wonderful grandsons, all of whom remain the pride and joy of his life. If there is one thing Wayne will be remembered as, it is as a committed family man. On any given day you could find him cooking dinner for the family to gather, playing with his grandchildren, sharing laughter with siblings and friends, helping prep food and supplies for his son’s food truck, or tidying up around the house to set a welcoming environment for guests. You could not be around Wayne’s charismatic smile and laughter without joining in. He leaves behind a legacy of love to be cherished and upheld by – his mom Delores; his children Diajah, Moniqua, and Anthony; his grandchildren Mason, K’yden, and Amidas; his siblings Dale, Maureen, Michael, and Nadine and his extended family. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough, Georgia.