Nicholas Isiah Walston, a 17-year-old from Byrneville, Florida, passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind a community in mourning.
Highlights
- Nicholas was a dedicated student, athlete, and church member who loved the outdoors, fast cars, wrestling, and photography while cherishing time with his family and friends.
- Friends, family, and the community have shared heartfelt messages remembering Nicholas’s wisdom, kindness, and warm spirit, with funeral services planned to honor his memory.
- Nicholas’ deep faith and strong community ties were central to his life, and in his passing, those same connections are helping loved ones cope with their loss.
Born on August 2, 2007, Nicholas was a lifelong resident who touched many lives with his cheerful spirit and generous heart.
As a student at Northview High School, Nicholas actively participated in ROTC and played football.
His presence on campus was marked by the memorable moments he shared with classmates and teachers alike.
Beyond school, he was an engaged member of Holy Ground Church in Flomaton, Alabama, where his faith and community spirit flourished.
Nicholas found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He embraced outdoor activities, particularly hunting and fishing, where he connected with nature.
Wrestling captivated his attention, and he never missed watching a match.
His passion extended to trucks and fast cars, which he proudly collected and enthusiastically shared with others.
Photography became another outlet for Nicholas, who loved capturing the beauty of the sky through his camera lens.
He treasured family time, whether taking walks with his brother or attending hockey games together.
His nephews, Jacob and Jaxton, and nieces, Emmy Lou and Brooklynn, held a special place in his heart as he filled their time together with laughter and joy.
Those who knew Nicholas describe him as an old soul with a child’s heart.
His wisdom belied his years, and he shared it generously with others.
Even during difficult times, Nicholas took on responsibilities to ensure his family’s well-being, demonstrating maturity beyond his age.
He is survived by his mother, Christine Jenkins, step-dad Steve Emmons, sisters Emily Walston and Brittany Walston, brother Nate Emmons, and his grandparents, Joyce Jenkins, Steve Emmons Sr., and Billy Boatwright.
Nicholas was preceded in death by his father, Jacob Walston Jr., and grandparents Gene Day Boatwright, Pearl Sellers, and Diane Boatwright.
Nicholas Walston’s Death at 17 Brings an Outpouring of Love and Tributes
The news of Nicholas’s unexpected passing on February 12 shocked the tight-knit community.
Social media is filled with heartfelt tributes from those whose lives he touched. His friend Christopher David Chambers shared:
“You were truly an amazing soul, a kind hearted person. Wisdom of an old man and the heart of a child. You were my brother, my little brother. And I looked up to you.”
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Megan Drennon remembered Nicholas’s unfailing kindness:
“YOU WERE THE KINDEST KID I KNEW YOU ALWAYS HUGGED ME AND TOLD ME I LOVE YOU MRS MEGAN AND THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING SO NICE TO ME.”
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His sister Emily expressed her shock and grief:
“This morning my younger brother Nicholas passed away unexpectedly. I am still in shock and disbelief. I’m not sure how to handle this. Please pray for me and my family.”
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Angel Smith recalled Nicholas as
“a down to earth, old soul, country boy….always smiling with a big hug…never met a stranger….joking around just to get a laugh from you.”
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The community will gather to honor Nicholas’s memory with a funeral service on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Reverend Wesley Carey and Christopher Chambers will officiate.
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
Pallbearers will include Nate Emmons, Rodney Wadkins, Christopher Wadkins, Chris Hammond, Brian Moore, and Preston Jenkins, carrying Nicholas to his final rest while carrying his memory in their hearts.
In this time of loss, the community rallies around the Walston family, sharing memories of a young man who lived fully and loved deeply.
Additional Information
- Nicholas attended Holy Ground Church in Flomaton, Alabama, where he was known for his active participation in church activities and his commitment to the faith community.
- He had a special relationship with his grandmother Joyce Jenkins, whom he affectionately called “Nana,” who lives in Franklinton, Louisiana.
- The bond between Nicholas and Christopher Chambers was particularly meaningful – they went on road trips together to wrestling shows where Christopher worked as a referee, using these trips as opportunities for deep conversations and mentorship.
