William “Billy” Nichols

07/25/1950 - 12/03/2025

William “Billy” Nichols lived a life rooted in love, faith, and quiet strength. Raised to believe in God, grace, and forgiveness, he carried those values with him from childhood into adulthood. His mother, Jean, embodied unconditional love and taught her children the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and honoring one another. She adored Billy deeply, and that devotion shaped the man he became.

As children, Billy, Tommy, and Cathy memorized a special creed their mother recited often; words that stayed with them throughout their lives. While their family did not strictly follow every church tradition, their home was filled with faith, belief in God, and the understanding that grace is something we both receive and give.

Billy was a man of many talents and passions. He loved fishing, something his grandfather taught him well. Family fishing trips filled his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood, and he never stopped sharing those stories. Even his friends, many of them “city kids,” still remember learning how it was really done from Billy.

He loved football, tending to his land, and his two beloved cats, one proudly named “Princess of the World.” Billy built a small farm life in Indiana where he planted fruit trees, worked on gardens, and began building a house. With the help of his brother, he learned the foundations of carpentry, starting with a little cabin where he honed his skills. Those memories remain cherished parts of the family’s story.

A gifted student, Billy excelled in science and math, earning recognition at the district level for his academic achievements. He was also a talented musician and composer; known as one of the best guitarists in Louisville. His music was a lifelong thread, stretching from childhood, resurfacing in the mid-90s, and continuing for many years after.

Billy completed several years of college before beginning work at the U.S. Post Office. During his military service, he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, as a Supply Clerk for the U.S. Army. He served with honor and integrity, and when the Vietnam War ended, he received an early discharge as the military downsized. True to his hardworking spirit, he continued his education by attending college classes at night while working during the day.

Billy is survived by his brother, Thomas Nichols; his sister, Cathy Peterson, and her husband, John; his nephew, David Peterson, his wife, Brenda, and their daughters, Amelia and Olivia; and his niece, Hannah McCaig, her husband, Joey, and their daughters, Madi and Gia.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean W. Nichols; his father, William Nichols; and his brother, Mark Nichols.

Billy lived his life with humility, talent, and a deep sense of family. He served his country with honor, carried his faith quietly but sincerely, and left behind memories filled with love. Today, we salute him with gratitude, respect, and the peace he so richly deserves.