Thomas Shelton "Tommy" Nixon III, 68, of Perquimans County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on October 29, 1957, in Edenton, North Carolina, Tommy was the beloved husband of the late Sherry Bunch Nixon and the son of Thomas Shelton Nixon Jr. and the late Betty Twiddy Nixon.

He is survived by his father, Thomas Shelton Nixon Jr., and his stepmother, Frances Nixon; his daughters, Courtenay Nixon Bickler and Chelsea Caroline Nixon; his son, Thomas Shelton Nixon IV (Alex); and his three grandchildren, Ari, Samuel, and Orion Bickler. He is also survived by his brothers, Keith Nixon (Anne) and Chris Nixon (Shannon); his stepbrothers, Paul Copeland and Jason Copeland (Pamela); his mother-in-law, Janet Bunch; his sister-in-law, Sheila Perry (Lynn); and his nieces and nephews, Heather Perry, Weston Perry, Hannah Nixon, David Nixon, Rebecca Nixon, and Zoey Nixon.

Anyone who knew Tommy knew he loved sports, especially Duke basketball. Conversations with him often centered on the latest game or team, but his favorite topic was always his children. He was immensely proud of them, and that pride was evident to everyone who knew him. His love for his family and his passion for sports will be remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services celebrating Tommy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Chapel, Hertford, NC. Interment will be private at Cedarwood Cemetery in Hertford, NC. The family will greet friends on Sunday immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Nixon family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com