Mr. Nicholas Joseph Ore, 24, of Barbourville, passed away Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025 in Morehead. He was the son of Phillip and Lesley Grisham Vaughn born on June 2, 2001 in Corbin.
Nicholas was a third year medical student at the University of Kentucky, pursuing his dream of helping others through medicine and a member of the Parkway Baptist Church. He graduated as the Valedictorian of the Knox Central High School Class of 2019, exemplifying both intellect and leadership. In 2023, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Kentucky University, where he further demonstrated his commitment to academic excellence.
Nicholas was known not only for his scholarly achievements, but also for his involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities. He served as a football manager for the Knox Central Panthers, participated in Science Olympiad, among many other groups and activities. He also earned a yellow belt in Karate.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Eddie Gene Grisham and Rev. Joseph “Joey” Ore Sr.
Survivors include his loving parents, Phillip and Lesley Vaughn of Barbourville; grandparents, Brenda “MiMi” Grisham and Bill “Pa” Brooks both of Barbourville and Vickie Ore Cook of Corbin; a sister, Amber Brock and husband, Travis, of Mt. Vernon, IL; brothers, Jaron Hammons and wife, Morgan, of Alcoa, TN, Coedy Vaughn and wife, Angel, and Andrew Vaughn and wife, Ashley, all of Barbourville; best friends who he considered brothers, Justin Decker of Harrogate, TN, Calvin Marsee of Russell Springs and Caiden Melendez of Barbourville; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Wednesday, June 18 at 4 P.M. with Rev. Jerry Vaughn and Rev. Mark Gibbs officiating. Rev. Tommy Frazier will serve as an honorary minister. Nicholas will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Daniel Grisham, Griffin Harding, Justin Decker, Calvin Marsee, Caiden Melendez and Coedy Vaughn.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Wednesday prior to the funeral hour.
Memorial contributions may go to the Parkway Baptist Church in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of NICHOLAS JOSEPH ORE.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
