Darryl Eugene Nicholson, Sr.

The Life and Legacy of

Mr. Darryl Eugene “Pop” Nicholson, Sr., 66

Mr. Darryl Eugene Nicholson, Sr., affectionately known as “Pop,” passed away on August 16, 2025, in Prichard, Alabama, at the age of 66. Born on October 3, 1958, in Coy Alabama, Darryl lived a life marked by dedication to his family, loyalty to his friends, and a spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He attended Wilcox Academy in Coy and graduated in 1976. That same year he made a brave move and took a one-way trip all the way to New York City. Later in the year of 1990, he met the love of his life. His boss, Patricia Hardy. He became a father figure to her 2 older children, Raymond Hardy (Mikey) and Janeen Hardy (Nee-Nee) In the year of 1991 Darryl and Patricia fell in love. They got married the following year and had their first child "Eliza Nicholson" (Girlie) on October 28, 1992, named after his great- great grandmother "Eliza Nicholson" and on July 28, 1994, they had their second child together "Darryl Nicholson Jr." named after himself "Darryl Nicholson Sr." Darryl and Patricia were together for over 2 decades. Years later he extended the family with Saige Kauffman and Destin Nicholson. He lived a life of love, courage, and hardship. He was born during the "Civil Rights Movement" 

Darryl retired from a long-standing career in bank security—a job he both respected and humorously referred to as wearing his monkey suit.” Though he joked about the uniform, he took pride in his work and eventually rose to become the boss. His work ethic and leadership were evident throughout his career.

Beyond his professional life, Darryl was a man of deep personal connections. He shared a close bond with his brother Douglas Nicholson, affectionately known as “Uncle Doug.” His circle of love extended to his best friends "Uncle Albert Galvez", "Uncle Rey Melendez", Uncle Francisco Garcia, and "Uncle Robert" & "Aunt Lucie Garcia"; his nephew Christopher Nicholson, "Cousin Tata", “Cousin Vince;” Alonzo McCord Sr. (Big Lonnie); Alonzo McCord Jr (Little Lonnie); "Cousin Elaine", and Lester Douglas (Uncle Sonny).

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Lillie Dolores Nicholson—known to many as "Grandma"—his sister Debra Nicholson (Debbie), and his Aunt Nelly.

Darryl’s presence was larger than life. A God-fearing man with a contagious laugh that could light up any room, he found joy in simple pleasures: cooking his specialty -hearty breakfasts with eggs and potatoes smothered in onions- he loved playing pool, and watching comedy shows. He loved to laugh, Friday nights were sacred moments of relaxation for him: a Heineken in one hand and the remote in the other. He had a sweet spot for vanilla bean ice cream paired with pretzels or Lay’s potato chips (yellow bag only), and he never turned down a slice of watermelon. But above all else, it was clear that nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family.  His love for his children was fierce and unwavering. One cherished memory shared by his daughter speaks volumes when he jumped right in the middle of the dog fight to save his daughter trapped in the middle of it or about the depth of that love: when she was pregnant and faced harm, Darryl stepped in without hesitation to protect her—even at the cost of damaging one of his favorite cars. That act of protection became a lasting symbol of how deeply he cared.

Darryl often reminded those around him that “you can replace materials, but YOU can never be replaced.” It was more than just a saying—it was a truth he lived by. He embodied many roles throughout his life: uncle, brother, cousin, best friend—but perhaps none more important than being a devoted father and protector.

To those who knew him, Darryl was easy to love and impossible to forget. His memory lives on not only through stories and laughter but also through the values he instilled and the love he gave so freely. He is in our minds, on our hearts, and will forever be felt in spirit. I know my Daddy made it to heaven kuz God showed me in a dream. He was in a golden palace with golden interior with the tallest pillars I've ever seen. Pillars so tall, it reached impossible heights, tasseling the clouds. To know that his Soul is with the Almighty Creator DOES give me a sense of peace.

We Will ALWAYS Love You, Daddy!