Raymond Edward Nicholson

Ed was born on April 13, 1950 in Morgantown, WV to Betty June Nicholson (née Bosley), a Registered Nurse at Ruby Memorial Hospital, and Clarence Edward Nicholson, a WW2 Navy veteran and coal miner. He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1968, and enthusiastically participated in reunions with his classmates each year. During his time working in the coal mines in his early 20s, Ed suffered an accidental, life-changing injury that left him as a paraplegic. He persevered through his recovery and rehabilitation to retain his independence with the support of his friends and family. Never deterred from achieving his goals, he went on to obtain his Bachelors’ degree from his study of business and finance at West Virginia University. After moving to Tampa, FL in 1979 with his former spouse, Susan, he began working for Hillsborough County Public Schools as an accountant in 1980. He dedicated 35 years of loyal and passionate service to the school system before his retirement as Manager of District Accounting in August of 2015.

Ed had many hobbies and passions throughout his life, and never stayed stagnant. He was a noted bibliophile and a wealth of knowledge. He was well-known at the Straz Performing Arts Center through his long-time membership and regular attendance. As a Disney fanatic, he was often seen wandering the parks, taking in a show, and charming the staff. He enjoyed billiards and darts, stayed active through sports, and never let his struggles set limitations on his life. He most notably was involved in wheelchair basketball and traveled with a competitive team for many years. When he was not playing sports, he was cheering on college and professional teams. He was a season-ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Lightning from the team’s early years and could be found at the arena for almost every home game. Ed loved photography and his camera was present and ready at all times to capture the best memories in his life. He supported his country and its military and was immensely proud of his son’s service in the United States Marine Corps, and his father’s legacy. He was the type of man who “never knew a stranger”, and accumulated life-long friends everywhere he frequented. He can best be described as “fiercely loyal” by those close to him, and his caring, generous attitude extended to everyone around him. Ed’s contagious smile and sharp mind will be missed by all.

Ed is survived by his son, Kyle Edward Nicholson, and daughter-in-law, Kalyn Nicholson of Tampa, FL, his granddaughter, Paige McKenzie Blick, her parents, Tia and Jason Blick, of Lithia, FL, and three step-siblings, Suzann Haines Bane of Morgantown, WV, Sherry Blue of Stonewood, WV, and John Haines of Butler, PA. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty, father Clarence, stepmother Virginia (“Jenny”), and two stepbrothers Kenneth and Larry Haines.

A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories in Tampa, FL. The family and close friends will welcome visitors beginning at 10:00 am, and the chapel service will follow at 11:00 am. Immediately after the service, he will be laid to rest next to his mother inside Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. All are invited to attend and celebrate Ed’s life. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, interested parties consider a donation to Haley House Fund, Inc. at haleyhousefund.com to support wounded and disabled veterans at James A. Haley VA Hospital. This is a charity that we think represents the best parts of Ed and would be close to his heart. The family would like to thank the staff including the talented nurses, medical providers, and case managers at AdventHealth Carrollwood and AdventHealth Connerton for their months of extraordinary care and efforts while treating this beloved man.