Mr. Donnie Ray Nicholson, age 54, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on January 16, 2022 at Fannin Regional Hospital. He was born in Blairsville, GA to the late Rev. Reid and Eula Mae Kernea Nicholson. He worked and was a co-owner of Nicholson Tire Centers. He was an avid outdoorsman. Donnie enjoyed time on the lake fishing with his family and friends and also enjoyed tournament bass fishing. He was proud to see his Georgia Bulldogs win the National Championship and his Atlanta Braves come home winners of the World Series. He was a man that was always willing to help anyone that was in need. Donnie was a big supporter of his community by helping with any fundraiser that was brought before him. He will be remembered as a man with a great sense of humor along with being a cherished husband and a loving father, brother, and friend to many. Along with his parents, Donnie is also preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Leola Nicholson and Maudine Kernea; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Franklin. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Stephanie Hughes Nicholson of the home, two children, Zack Nicholson and Hillary Nicholson both of Blue Ridge, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Patty Nicholson, Ricky and Larenda Nicholson and Tim and Becky Nicholson all of Mineral Bluff, GA; and a sister, Brenda Franklin of Mineral Bluff, GA. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of Akins Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Patterson officiating. Music will be provided by Joel Nicholson and Randell Nicholson. Interment will follow in the Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Randy Hooper officiating. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Brandon Nicholson, Dustin Nicholson, Austin Ritter, Noah Nicholson, Blake Nicholson and Grayson Jones. His fishing buddies and bass tournament fishing partners along with his co-workers of Nicholson Tire Center will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Thursday, January 20, 2022 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions Funeral Service Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Friday, January 21, 2022 1:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions