Orren Edison Nicholson

Orren Edison Nicholson, 85, of Salem, went to meet his heavenly father after a short battle with a rare blood disease on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at United Hospital Center with family by his side.  He was born on January 25, 1940 in Salem, the son of the late Thomas Edward and Enith Fonda Bailey Nicholson.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 61 ½ years, Ethel Mae Richards Nicholson whom he married on June 7, 1964; three children, daughter, Bernadette R Nicholson Richards (Dave), two sons, William E Nicholson (Patricia), and Jason H Nicholson (Kelly) all of Salem; eight grandchildren, Rocky Locke (Nikki), Norman Locke (Ashley Glahn), Jesimae Jamison (Brandon), David Neil  Richards, Haley Richards, Jamie Rasel (Levi), Kiley Darnall (Tim), and Ashlyn Ross (Brenna); nineteen great grandchildren, Elaina, Jeremy, Jayson, Jocelyn, Isaiah, Madalynn, Noah, Andrew, Abbi, Anthony, Ava, Mia, Camden, Alexis, Ava, Dewayne, Henry, Delilah, and Elliott: one great great grandchild, Oaklynn; two brothers, Lorren E Nicholson, and Warren E Nicholson; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Shawn Thomas Nicholson; one grandson, Jason Alexander Nicholson; one daughter-in-law, Shanna Jean Wolfe Nicholson; two sisters-in-law, Bessie Hurst Nicholson and Suellen Riddle Nicholson.

He was born on Dog Run, Salem, WV and at an early age the family moved to Marshville, WV where he spent his school years attending the Marshville Elementary School, then Bristol Junior and Senior High Schools graduating with the class of 1959. After graduation he began his working career with National Auto Store where he was employed until called for military service in the US Army from 1963-1965. After being discharged from the service he returned to the National Auto Store until it closed it doors in 1972. Orren then began another career at Hartland Planning Mills for 16 years, leaving to start and operate his own auto body repair business for several years. He was a member of the Cascara Friendship Church.

Family and friends will be received at Davis Funeral Home- Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be conducted at Cascara Friendship Church, 2458 WV Route 23 North, Salem, WV on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Jason Balis and Lay Minister, Mike Hinkle presiding. Orren will Lie in State one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow at the Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Greenbrier where full military honors will be accorded by the Harrison County Honor Guard and the US Army Honor Guard.  Online condolences may be sent to DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home- Salem and Crematory is honored to serve the Nicholson family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orren Edison Nicholson, please visit our floral store.