Buchinal "Joe" Watson Nickerson

EAST NEW MARKET - Buchinal "Joe" Watson Nickerson, 90, passed away Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, at his residence.

He was born March 13, 1917, in Sassafras, son of the late Benjamin Watson Nickerson and Bertha Taylor Nickerson.

One of Preston Trucking Company"s earliest employees, Mr. Nickerson was employed there for 35 years, retiring in 1977. He was a very special part of the start up and later the maintenance of Kool Ice and Seafood Co. and Suicide Bridge Restaurant, working until last year.

Mr. Nickerson perferred staying close to home and family and enjoyed his woodworking, known as "Pop Joe"s Crafts." He spent many hours gradening, especially his tomatoes which he tried to grow earlier and better than anyone else.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Secretary.

Mr. Nickerson is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Mae Colbourne Nickerson of East New Market; two sons, Samuel Nickerson and his wife, Janice of Georgetown, Del. and David Nickerson and Lauren Wanex of East New Market; one daughter, Jo Ann Nickerson Cropper of East New Market; seven grandchildren, Sherri Morton and her husband, Floyd, David Cropper and his wife, Annette, Mark Cropper and Sharon, Craig Cropper and Doville, Megan Adams, John Rickwood III and Jordon Rickwood; six great-great-grandchildren, Destiny Morton, Addie Cropper, Caitlyn Cropper, Emily Cropper, Kelly Cropper and James Mason Rickwood and a special friend of the Nickerson family, Nancy Dail.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Bessie Nickerson Camper and Lillian Nickerson Collins; three brothers, Elmer Nickerson, Lee Nickerson and Walter Nickerson; one nephew whom he raised as his own, Russell "Boots" Colbourne.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Secretary, where services will begin at noon with the Rev. Helen Lockwood officiating. Burial will follow in East New Market Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Bradshaw, Tom Collins, John Rickwood III, Jim Gorski, John Rossy, Greg Getz.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Cropper, Mark Cropper, Craig Cropper, Jack Colbourne, Edward Powell, Jack Nichols, Glen Collins and Bilo Hickman.

Mr. Nickerson"s wishes were to have donations made in his memory to the Humane Society of Dorchester County, 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Arrangements are being handled by the Zeller Funeral Home in East New Market.