Ray Douglas Nicholson

Ray Douglas Nicholson, age 74, of Massillon, Ohio was welcomed by the Lord on the morning of Saturday December 27th, 2025 after living with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. The second child of three (3), Ray was born on November 13th, 1951 as the only son of the late Richard and Rosetta (Blackshear) Nicholson. After graduating from Alliance High School in 1969, he went on to study Drafting at a local Vocational school. Soon after he met Patricia A. (Spotwood) Nicholson of Flushing, Queens, NY during a church retreat in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania. The two married a year later on August 26th, 1973 in Akron, Ohio.

Ray worked as a Driver for United Parcel Services with over thirty-five years of professionalism upon retirement in 2014. Being a “Servant for the people and the Lord” was a priority throughout his life. Acts of kindness, community service and an advocate for worship were displayed regularly as he valued the title “Chaplin” for The Canton Negro Old Timers Association. A lover of travel, sports and music, Ray often enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Known as “The UPS guy with the big smile”, he very seldom turned his back on anyone who was in need of help.

Ray is survived by his wife Patricia of fifty-two (52) years, two (2) daughters, Rae’Shaun P. Nicholson, Shylynda D. Nicholson and sister Sylvia D. Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Sunday, January 11th, 2026 at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE, Massillon, OH.

“Big Time Ray Douglas” was loved and will never be forgotten.