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Nikita Pappas Obituary

Nikita Philip Pappas Charleston - Nikita Philip Pappas, 56, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Donna Wells Pappas and Charleston blues guitarist died Sunday, August 21, 2016. His Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016 in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street at 1:00 p.m. Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday in the J. HENRY STUHR, INC. DOWNTOWN CHAPEL from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with Trisagion beginning at 6:00 p.m. Nikita was born November 17, 1959 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Colonel Luke Theodore Pappas and Nike Araliou Pappas. He was a graduate of the College of Charleston and was a local musician and sometimes known as "Nature Boy Nik". Nikita was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Nikita is survived by his loving wife of sixteen years; son, William Rosser Tolan of Lake Arrowhead, CA; two brothers: Rallis Luke Pappas (Dendy) of Atlantic Beach, FL and Theodore Michael Pappas of Mt. Pleasant, SC; nieces and nephews; and his special kitties, Curley & Opie. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Pearlie Allen Wells. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, Building Fund, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 25 to Aug. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Nikita Pappas

Not sure what to say?





Joseph S

July 7, 2025

I met Nick in 1982 at the food court by San Miguels and we became friends that very day, I will always remember you pretending to be blind one evening on King St. busking for dollars or your band the Uncalled 4

James Fenno

December 20, 2024

Missing playing music with you my friend. You are in my mind and thoughts frequently. Peace be with you now and always. Friendship never passes. It simply takes place at a different gig.

Riddell Perry

September 22, 2016

I knew Nik when I attended Charleston High. I just found out about him passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May he play on in heaven.
Sincerely,
Riddell

Dottie Connor

September 15, 2016

I'm so sorry for your Loss. Nick the music man will be missed tremendously.

Catherine Rodgers

September 9, 2016

May peace be with you.

Catherine Rodgers

September 5, 2016

My condolences to Ted, Gina, Rallis, Dendy, and his wife Donna. May you find peace. Some great memories with Nik were meeting BB King together at the old King Street Palace and celebrating Easter at the Greek Orthodox Church. Nik embodied the love of life in music, may his music live on always. With kind regards, Cathy

Randall Shepherd

September 4, 2016

Nik was such a sweet and talented fellow. Never a word uttered in anger. I only regret not spending more time with one of the best chaps it's been my privilege to know.

The Cromwell Family

August 26, 2016

Donna, we were shocked & dismayed when we heard about your loss. You, Nik and your mom were kind, friendly neighbors to us, and we missed you all when you moved away. Please know that our condolences go out to you and your family, and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the days weeks and months ahead. May the God of Heaven ever bless you and your family.

Dawn Loveless

August 26, 2016

Ted and family, Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother.

Joy S. Pryor

August 24, 2016

With Deepest Sympathy in Your Time Of Loss. Donna in your time of sorrow may you be comforted by gentle reminders of your beloved Nik, and by memories that live on in your heart.

Charles Muldoon

August 24, 2016

Nik, you taught me so much about blues guitar and showmanship when I lived in over twenty years ago,, I can't even begin to describe it. You had a fantastic sense of humor and a soft spot for the underdog. I only wish we could play some acoustic blues again like we did in Beaufort at Plums!

Christopher Gilliard

August 24, 2016

So sorry to hear of Nick's passing. Haven't seen my old classmate in many years. Condolences to his family.

Sarah Price

August 24, 2016

Donna, sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

James "Jimmy" Fenno

August 23, 2016

My most loved friend - and to myself and many others a highly talented musical colleague. You shall be missed and well remembered for years, decades and lives ahead. Our moments, hours, sets we shared on stage and indeed even traveling to and from gigs with your band and others were always spent discussing subjects enjoyable and exciting. The plans my wife Carol and I had for retirement included you with more of these exciting times beginning just a short 7 years from today with a move back to Charleston. Now even though we still plan the move it will not be musically and personally as exciting without you being there. Goodbye for now "Nature Boy" Nik!

Eddie Swiitala

August 23, 2016

Niik was the most talented blues musician I have played with. We played many
jobs through the years in Charleston and Hilton Head Island.. When he came to Hilton Head everyone was excited to hear him,. He had many friends on the Island and was loved by all.
Many times listening to blues on the radio, I can hear Nik playing those songs. He will be deeply missed as a friend as well as a musician.
Our deepest sympathy to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time.

Eddie and Rose Marie Switala Hilton Head Island

Linda and Larry Wilson

August 23, 2016

We always enjoyed Nik and Donna when we visited Charleston. Our camper served as a gathering place, or Nik and Donna's home.
Always thought the two of you made a great couple. Your mother always felt Nik was a great son-in-law.
I'm sure your mother was there to greet Nik and will hold him close, while they both watch over you.
Know God loves you too.
Our Love and Prayers,
Larry & Linda

Stephen Finsel

August 23, 2016

Nik will be missed as we had a great time playing in numerous bands in the early 80's. We were room mates for a while and had many shared experiences on and off the stage. I wish we could have a chance to have lunch together and talk about the old days one more time. My prayers go out to Donna, Ted and the rest of Nik's family. I have been having a flood of those memories, hopefully I can write some down and share on Facebook. Thanks for the memories Nik!

Patricia McCright

August 23, 2016

What a special and nice guy. Rest in Peace. Pat

Mary Beth northcutt Walker

August 23, 2016

Ted I'm so sorry to read about the passing of your brother. Ben and I will lift you and your family up in prayer during this time. Our family appreciates all you have done for us in caring for our mom. Peace and Grace to you.

jean neely

August 23, 2016

SO sad to hear this news. It's been many years since I saw Nik but will treasure the old memories. He was unforgetable. Prayers for the family

Kim Wilson

August 22, 2016

I am truly sorry for your loss Donna. I know how much you loved Nik and how much he loved you. I will keep you and his family in my prayers

Jeannette Johnson

August 22, 2016

Nik will be missed every time I hear Erin johns music. What an extraordinary talent. Rest in peace

jenny kleyn

August 22, 2016

Condolences to Donna and to their family's.

Tanya Oliver Palumbo

August 22, 2016

It is with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to my dear friend Nik Pappas this afternoon as he left life's earthly journey to begin his peaceful eternal journey in heaven.
I was honored to be by the side of my dearest 'sister friend' , Donna Wells Pappas, as she , with much love and a broken heart, sent her husband on his heavenly journey. Donna and Nik were surrounded by family and dear friends as she said goodbye, for now, to her lifetime love, for they will be together again one day.
Please lift Donna through your continued prayers and love. She has felt it . Knowing all of the love that the Charleston community, friends and fellow musicians have for Nik and the splendid, cool daddy talent he shared as a blues musician who has played so many well known local (and beyond) venues for many many years will help Donna and the Pappas family ( his 2 brothers and a loving extended family), make it through their goodbyes filled with pride for all that Nik gave to the community through sharing his marvelous talent and love of music, especially blues and jazz. Nature Boy Nik may be gone but he will not be forgotten.
Carry on Big Daddy, high in the sky. Play on those blues and show 'em how it's done.... Play on my friend, play on at that great gig in the sky, beyond the clouds, high high up.
In the words of your immortal muse you've "flown to the moon and beyond and now you're dancing among the stars"...
So, on a clear night in Charleston, when you can see those stars in the sky, don't you be surprised if you see a twinkling star, winking at you from high above.... wearing those dark sunglasses and playing the blues.... it may be Nature Boy Nik.... just showing 'em how it's done.... True blues from a True blues man.... play on Daddy O', we're still listening Nik... Peace out brother... We love ya' man

Ann Scarborough

August 22, 2016

Donna and family, I am so sorry about your loss. May God bless you all at this time.

Brie Williams

August 22, 2016

Nik was such a kind soul. He was there when I had my wisdom teeth out, he even helped move me into The Citadel in 2000. He will be missed by all and we know he is up there playing the Blues with the rest of his Blues Brothers. Much love and sincere thoughts go out to Donna, Nik's family and friends.

Celie Dailey

August 22, 2016

Much love to Donna and the rest of Nik's family. Nik was a wonderful person and we are all better for having known him.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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Memorial Events
for Nikita Pappas

Aug

26

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel

232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Aug

26

Service

6:00 p.m.

J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel

232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Aug

27

Service

1:00 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity

30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Aug

27

Interment

Live Oak Memorial Gardens

3093 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Funeral services provided by:

J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel

232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

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