Thomas Nixon Watson

Thomas Nixon “Nicky” Watson passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Skyland Care Center in Sylva, NC at the age of 65. He was born in Sylva, NC to the late John Robert and Mary Lee Hooper Watson. 

Nicky was as large in personality as he was in stature. Nicky was the baby of the family and took pride in never “growing up.” He was the life of the party, always smiling, cracking jokes, and telling the craziest stories. He moonlighted as a bass singer in the Skyland Care Center choir, the Skyland Songbirds. Nicky enjoyed cheering on his favorite team, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Aside from Carolina sports, he also liked watching wrestling and martial arts, and often imitated his favorite Bruce Lee fight scenes. Nicky was an avid pen collector and he never turned down the opportunity to add another to his collection.

Though he never married or had children of his own, family was incredibly important to Nicky. He was a caring and thoughtful uncle who supported his nieces’ and nephews' endeavors, whether that included dolls and dress-up or basketball and high-kicks. Nicky always shared a strong bond with his oldest sister, Stella, and later in life they became practically inseparable; the two shared a home in Cullowhee and were even hallmates at Skyland.

Nicky is survived by his brother, John Watson & wife Ethel; his brother, Robert Watson; and his sister, Dixie Lawson & husband Ed. He was preceded in death by his sister, Stella Watson; and his sister, Gene Buchanan & husband RC.

The family will receive friends Monday, September 23rd, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Appalachian Funeral Services, 165 Skyland Dr., Sylva NC, 28779. Graveside service to immediately follow at Cullowhee Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) on his behalf.