Willie Ray Nicholson, 86 of Clarkesville, passed away Monday, March 05, 2012 at Habersham Medical Center from natural causes. Born May 22, 1925 in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Lawrence C. Nicholson and Effie Nichols Nicholson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest Paul Nicholson and Charles Guy Nicholson, his sister Bonnie N. Ferguson and son-in-law Robert L. Mathes, Jr. Ray was a retired farmer with Fieldale Farms with 40 years of service. He was at his finest when circled by his loving family. There was always a smile on his face and a story to be told when his children, grandchildren and great grand children were near. He brought love and a wonderful gift for life to all the family and friends that have come to know him throughout the years. Habersham County has lost a true gift from our legacy. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Kathleen Martin Nicholson, daughter, Patricia N. Mathes of Atlanta, daughter and son-in-law, Kathy N. and Mike Davis of Cornelia, son and daughter-in-law David Ray and Lisa Nicholson of Cornelia, brother Henry Garland “Whitty” Nicholson of Clarkesville, sister Betty N. Ferguson of Cornelia, grandchildren, Blake and Kelly Barron, Chuck and Brandy Allen, Corey Lindsey, Nathan, Seth and Allie Nicholson, Jason and Jennifer Davis, eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Interment will follow in Hills Crossing Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends, at the funeral home, from 6-9 pm on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Level Grove Baptist Church Youth Group, P. O. Box 416, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.