History & Staff

Our History
Nicholson Funeral Home is a landmark in downtown Statesville. Now housed in a stately 1901 colonial revival home on East Front Street, its history goes back to 1850. It was then that the William Thomas Nicholson family settled on Hunting Creek, north of Harmony. They had traveled from New Jersey to open a gristmill. Some 28 years later, the Nicholson's, along with the Jennings and White families, began to make and sell caskets at the general stores they operated throughout northern Iredell County.
As was common in the late 1800s, many undertakers were also furniture makers, and the Nicholson's continued to sell caskets and conduct funerals in their furniture store when they moved to Statesville. At the time, a casket’s price was based on the wood used and its size—probably between $25 and $35 for an adult casket. W.T. Nicholson moved the funeral home into its current location in 1920, and he remained its owner until his death in 1951. “Many of Mr. Nicholson’s descendants have remained in our community, even to this day.
Lonnie G. Turner, Sr. and his family bought the funeral home from Mr. Nicholson before he died. During that time, and until 1991, Marvin and Louise Raymer managed the business for Mr. Turner. When Lonnie Turner died, Nicholson Funeral Home went into his family estate, which was managed by his daughter, Mary Turner Gilliam. Mrs. Gilliam, like her father before her, and her husband, Mr. L.S. (Bill) Gilliam, Jr., were benevolent caretakers to Statesville, their church, friends and strangers alike. In 1983, in keeping with her father’s wishes that his business be sold to a local family who would carry on his philosophy of “family serving family., The Troutman/Strandburg family became Nicholson’s third family of owners in all of its 131 years. “Mary Gilliam was like a guardian angel. She gave us the opportunity to help others and to follow in her father’s footsteps. Mrs. Gilliam trusted the new owners to continue her father’s strong traditions.”
Our Valued Staff

James E. “Jimmy” Altmeyer, Jr.
4th Generation Funeral Home Owner / NC Licensed Funeral Director
James E. Altmeyer, Jr., Owner, graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1989.
As a part of the Nicholson Funeral Home and the Statesville community along with the excellent caring staff allows us the opportunity to provide exceptional service to families in need. We strive to give those we serve the ability to Celebrate Life's Treasured Memories.

Bradley "Brad" Wood
Funeral Director / Manager
Brad Wood is a native of Surry County, North Carolina, and has over 15 years of experience in the funeral service industry. He is currently furthering his education at Fayetteville Technical Community College, pursuing studies to deepen his expertise and continue his dedication to serving families with compassion and professionalism.
Brad now resides in Advance, NC, with his wife, Darlene. Together, they have three children and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren. He attends Advance First Baptist Church and is deeply involved in his community. He is a member of Advance Masonic Lodge #710, where he was honored to serve as Master in 2025 & 2026.
In addition to his work in funeral service, Brad has a lifelong passion for music. A seasoned Bluegrass and Gospel musician, he has spent many years performing, recording, and teaching. Whether on stage or in church, his love for music continues to be a meaningful part of his life, and you can often find him sharing his talents at local venues and community events.

Stacy Boudreau
Funeral Service Licensee
Stacy Boudreau, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, enlisted in the U.S. Army where she honed her sense of duty and discipline. After her service, Stacy pursued an education in the sciences, earning an Associate of Science degree from Cape Fear Community College. She furthered her studies at Fayetteville Technical Community College, earning an associate’s degree in Mortuary Science, where she developed a deep passion for helping others in times of need.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Stacy enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and beloved pets. A compassionate animal lover, she also dedicates time to caring for feral cats and animals in her community.

Darryl F. Hawkins
Funeral Service Licensee
Darryl graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in 1984, with a degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming. He has been in Funeral Service for 43 years, serving his community during their time of loss.
Darryl was raised in Clinton, NC, and has lived and worked in many different parts of North Carolina over the years. He moved to Statesville from Wilmington in 2024, with his wife Lisa. Together they have 4 children, and 10 grandchildren.
Darryl started his lifelong journey of helping others during difficult times when he was only 16 years old, volunteering at multiple Rescue Squads throughout North Carolina. He earned his title of EMT-I as a young man, and served his community for over 39 years, until he retired at age 57.
Darryl was an active member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #27 A.F. & A.M. in Statesville. He has been in the Statesville Shrine Club throughout North Caolina for decades. Darryl also serves as the President of the West Iredell Lions Club and a member of the Elks Lodge in Statesville.
From a young man to a beloved grandfather, Darryl has given his life in the pursuit of assisting and guiding others during their time of need.

Alana Henderson
Funeral Director
Alana is originally from Statesville but spent 28 years in the High Point/Thomasville area. She returned in 2005 following the death of her father to be with her mother.
She is a graduate of High Point Central High School and Fayetteville Technical Community College where she earned her Funeral Directors License.
Alana formerly was a member of the Exchange Club and Rotary, was an office manager and holds an insurance license and is a notary. She is involved in her church, loves to read, cook, listen to music, and spend time on the lake and at the beach.
Alana not only serves as a Funeral Director but also helps many in preplanning their own funeral services. “Growing up in a parsonage, we went to funeral homes quite often. I always felt kinship there and finally decided that, perhaps, this was my calling in life. I love people; and helping them during some of the hardest days in their lives brings me a sense of fulfillment.” Alana has been in the funeral industry since 2007 and has been with Nicholson Funeral Home since 2015.

Bill Brater
Funeral Director
Bill is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is currently in his 51st year of funeral service.
He has been awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, has served as that organization’s President, as well as serving formerly as President of the board of directors of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County and the United Way of Statesville and the Statesville Jaycees. He is a former two-term member of the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education and currently serves on the Iredell County Board of Adjustments. He serves on the board of Iredell Memorial Hospital. He is a past campaign chair for the United Way of Iredell County and formerly served on the S.C.A.N. board of directors as well as the American Red Cross and the former North Iredell Unit of The American Cancer Society.
He and his wife Linda live in Cool Springs. He has one son and three grandchildren.

Thomas St. Angelo
Funeral Director
Tom is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, Tom served in the United States Marine Corps before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with an Economics minor from Cleveland State University. He got his first taste of funeral service in 2006 with Inman Shipping Worldwide. Following a successful career as a Field Manager for The Nielsen Company in Charlotte, Tom returned to the profession in 2022. He managed funeral home operations across NC and VA while completing mortuary school in 2024 and is currently working toward his embalming license.
Tom has also been an active member of his church community, serving on the advisory board, managing the AV and technology systems, and faithfully cooking pancakes for Easter Sunday breakfast.
At home, Tom is happily married to his wife, Christie, and is the proud dad of Gracie and Mason. In his free time, he enjoys good music, local craft beer, and quality family time.

David "Dave" Murray
Pre-Planning Director / Funeral Service Licensee
David is a native of Catawba County and earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Gardner-Webb University, an associate’s degree in Funeral Service from Fayetteville Technical Community College and Emergency Medical Science from Davidson County Community College.
Beginning in 1990, David began serving his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, retiring as Captain of the Newton-Conover Rescue Squad in 2020. David has in depth experience with preplanning funeral and cremation services, working with estate planning attorneys specializing in guardianship, Medicaid qualification, and healthcare power of attorney cases.

Reba Smith
Outreach Director
Reba moved to North Carolina nearly 10 years ago and has proudly called the area home ever since. She joined Nicholson Funeral Home as Office Manager in 2023. In 2025 Reba began assisting with community outreach. In 2026, she transitioned into the full-time role of Outreach Director.
Reba enjoys building meaningful relationships throughout the community and working with assisted living and memory care facilities, churches, local organizations, and community partners. She is passionate about connecting with others and helping Nicholson Funeral Home remain actively involved in the community it services. Reba is also a notary.
Outside of work, Reba is a proud mom to Elizabeth, Kimora, and Noah and Grammy to her “favorite” grand dog, Bella. She enjoys baking, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Christie St. Angelo
Office Manager
Christie is passionate about serving others with compassion, kindness, and genuine care. With a background in office management, event planning, education, and customer service, she enjoys helping families navigate life's most difficult moments with empathy and attention to detail.
Outside of work, Christie enjoys spending time with her family, watching the birds in her backyard, exploring creative projects, and attending live music events. She believes that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference, and she is honored to support families during meaningful moments in their lives.

James Lewis
Pastor / Service Attendant
James Lewis is a native of Statesville and is a graduate of North Iredell High School.
In 1992 he married his best friend Melanie and together they have two daughters and one son. "Our home is truly blessed."
"At age 30, God began to call me to begin a very special work in the Statesville, NC area. At age 32, I left my full-time job to fulfill God’s call. Since that day, God has blessed and increased our lives as well as this ministry." James has been with the Nicholson family since 2018.

Bobby Holmes Jr
Service Attendant
Bobby D. “BJ” Holmes Jr. is a lifelong member of the Statesville and Iredell County community, dedicated to serving others through his work, faith, and community involvement.
A proud graduate of Statesville High School’s Class of 2006, BJ furthered his education by taking courses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has spent much of his career serving families through funeral services, first with Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary, Inc. and now with Nicholson Funeral Home. He also serves South Iredell High School as an Administrative Assistant, School Bus Coordinator, and advisor to the school’s Black History Club.
BJ is passionate about preserving history, supporting young people, and strengthening his community. He is an active member of Christ Cathedral of Deliverance, the Statesville Branch NAACP #5454, Mt. Carmel Masonic Lodge #37, Statesville Elks Lodge #1823, and the UNC Rams Club in Chapel Hill. He serves as Vice President of the Statesville Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee and President of the Troutman Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee. He also serves as President of the Statesville High School Class of 2006 Reunion Committee.
Through his continued service, leadership, and commitment to community, BJ strives to make a positive difference, uplift others, and inspire the next generation to give back.

Patti Sloan
Service Attendant
Patricia “Patti” Sherrill Sloan was born and raised in the Troutman community of Iredell County and is a lifelong resident of the area.
Patti retired from Binder Chiropractic and is a member of Fallstown Baptist Church, the Troutman Exchange Club, and the Statesville Elks Lodge. She is a devoted mom to one daughter and a loving grandmother to two grandsons. Patti also enjoys life with her beloved fur baby.
Patti has a genuine love for people and enjoys assisting families whenever she can. And if you know Patti, you know she has a special love for giraffes! 🦒

Ernest Galliher
Service Attendant
Ernest Galliher was born and raised in Harmony, North Carolina, and has proudly remained a lifelong part of the community. His deep roots in the area and his commitment to serving others have made him a familiar and respected presence among local families.
Ernest has been a devoted member of Rocky Spring Baptist Church since 1963. Ernest is also a member of Army Mason Lodge #299 in Harmony, continuing his commitment to fellowship, community, and service.
He has been married to Janice A. Henderson Galliher for more than 60 years. Together, they have built a beautiful family that includes two children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, who are a tremendous source of joy and pride.
Ernest has been a valued part of Nicholson Funeral Home for 15 years. His experience, knowledge of the community, and genuine care for others reflect the values that are at the heart of Nicholson Funeral Home. He takes pride in helping families during some of life's most difficult moments and is honored to serve the community he has called home all his life.

Joseph Campbell
Service Attendant
Joseph Campbell is a graduate of the Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership, where he earned his high school diploma and an associate in arts degree in 2025.
Joseph is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Statesville and has a strong passion for serving his faith and community. He has volunteered countless hours and has supported local organizations including Lifespan Development, My Sister’s House, and Pharos Parenting by donating picnic tables and giving his time to help others.
Joseph enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well as his beloved pit bull, Pepper. He looks forward to allowing the Lord to guide his future and is committed to serving others and making a positive difference in his community.

Rick Gregg
Service Attendant
Rick is a graduate of West Wilkes High School, class of 1997. Rick served his country in the Navy from 1977 until 1984. After the service Rick moved to Statesville where he was in Sales for 39 years. Rick is the proud father of 3 wonderful children, 6 granddaughters and one grandson. Rick started his career with Nicholson Funeral Home in 2026 as a funeral attendant and works as part of our Care Team.

Allen Forehand
Service Attendant
Allen Forehand has been a resident of Statesville since 1972, except for time spent away while serving in the Air Force. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising from Appalachian State University. After graduation from ASU, he joined the Air Force and met his wife, Nan. They have been married 42 years and spent many of those years on different assignments throughout Europe, the U. S, and the Middle East. After retiring from the Air Force, they returned to Statesville to live.
He worked in Mooresville at Michael Weining, Inc., serving in a few positions before retiring again in April 2025. Alne and Nan have two children and three grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them.
Since retiring Allen and Nan have enjoyed traveling and getting involved in the local community. They are members of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Statesville, and Allen is a member of the Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge on Front Street. He has been a Shriner for many years and is grateful to be able to contribute to supporting children that need help at Shriners Hospitals.

Joshua Davidson
Service Attendant
Joshua Davidson, born and raised in North Carolina, is a college student with a passion for serving others. He earned his associate degree from Mitchell Community College and is continuing his education at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
In addition to his role at Nicholson Funeral Home, Joshua works for the Town of Mooresville's Arts & Events Department, where he helps coordinate community events and visitor experiences. He has come to appreciate that funeral service is another form of hospitality; one that is often overlooked. He believes that welcoming, caring for, and supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives is among the highest forms of service.
Outside of work and school, Joshua enjoys studying history, learning about different cultures, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He is honored to be part of the team at Nicholson Funeral Home and is committed to serving every family with compassion, dignity, and respect.

