Apostolis Nikopoulos (also known as Paul Nixon) was born in Viniani, Evrytanias in 1904 to Sotirios and Ekaterini Nikopoulos. Apostolis had two younger brothers, Serafim and George. It is believed that his father Sotirios─who had been residing in America─decided to move back to Greece to answer the call for patriots who were needed for the fight in the Asia Minor War (1921-1923) just as many of his countrymen did. Paul came to America in 1920 through Ellis Island in search of a better opportunity. He resided in Frederick, Maryland for a number of years. In 1930, he returned to Greece and married Eleni Karoplesiti, who was the love and center of his life. From 1930 to 1939 he would make several trips to Greece, and had three children: Antigoni (Hondros), Maria (Papageorge), and Sotirios.

World War 2 separated his family for 8 long years, and in 1947, with the help of the Red Cross, the family was reunited in Greenville, NC. There, Paul established the Dixie Grill restaurant, where his son Sotirios learned to run the business with him. In 1960, the family moved to Charlotte, NC, where Paul and Sotirios owned and operated the Village restaurant, which remained a family operation for 38 years.

Paul was tall in stature with a commanding physical presence, yet was a gentle man. He had a reputation of being honest, humble, and very generous. His 7 grandchildren fondly recall memories of his kind spirit and sweet gestures such as hiding chocolates in his pockets, and secretly handing them money. Paul and Eleni were members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, NC, and were members of the Evrytanian Association of America, as well as Adelphotis Vinianiton.

Paul was a proud Mason of the Masonic Temple in Greenville, NC, as well as a Shriner of the Sudan Temple and Scottish Rite. He leaves behind a legacy of hope, love, and charity which is deeply rooted in his family today.