Brandon Harwood Nicholas
Brandon Harwood Nicholas, 30, a resident of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully Monday, June 2, 2025, with his family and friends by his side.
Brandon was born April 9, 1995, in Morgantown, and is survived by his parents, Kathy Clingerman (Steve), and Keith Nicholas (Susanna); sister, Paige Harman (Charlie); and nephews, Porter and Quinn. Also surviving is Brandon's partner, Dan Heagney, and their fur-children, Renny, Siegfried and Leopold.
Brandon was a 2013 graduate of Morgantown High School, where he was an excellent student and athlete. Brandon was a member of the National Honor Society and Cross Country Team. Brandon earned several scholarships upon graduation and continued his education at West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy (2017), both from WVU. Brandon was part of a pilot program partnering with WVU and the state auditor's office, which benefited both students and municipalities, and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, a national honor society for students majoring in accounting. Brandon was a very hard worker who earned his degrees while working full time at the Exotic Jungle and as a student worker for the Mountainlair, WVU's student union. He was on the Dean's list several times. Brandon passed all four parts of the certification exam to become a CPA on his first attempt.
Brandon began his accounting career at Dixon Hughes Goodman in Morgantown and then transferred to its office in Atlanta, which later merged with Forvis Mazars. He was one of the youngest accountants to be promoted to assurance senior manager.
Brandon enjoyed being physically fit and worked out hard every day. He enjoyed pickleball, traveling, and spending time with his family and his wide circle of friends.
People's lives were forever changed by knowing Brandon and he will be missed by many. He was a beautiful man inside and out, with a smile that would light up the room. Brandon was thoughtful and considerate of his friends; he always took care of his friends and family, checking in on them often. Brandon was a great listener and sincerely cared about people and was protective of those he loved. His fur-babies were an important and special part of his life. Brandon loved music, always lit up the dance floor and was so much fun to be around. He was an encourager and knowing Brandon made you want to be a better person.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, in the WVU Mountainlair Student Union, Blue Ballroom followed by funeral services at 3:30, with Mike Ellington officiating. Following the service, there will be a continued Celebration of Life at Tropics, 2500 Cranberry Square, Cheat Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jacob's Ladder, a long-term residential treatment center for men at www.jl-af.org
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.dering-henson.com
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