Billy "Nick" Nichols

Billy “Nick” Nichols

Tupelo- Billy Wayne “Nick” Nichols, age 81, departed this world on January 7, 2026 from the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. He was born May 17, 1944 to Willie Beatrice Harris Nichols and Robert Nichols. He grew up as one of the 4 Nichols boys who grew up in East Tupelo. They were inseparable and nobody could tell them apart even as adults.

Billy played football for Tupelo High School. After Tupelo High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. When he returned home, only one career interested him. His Uncle Leon, cousins, and soon his brother were all firemen at Tupelo Fire Department. He often said he loved every day he worked there. He retired after more than 20 years and had risen to the rank of Captain. While at the Fire Department he also worked in carpentry and at Nichols Saw Service. Billy then began his second career as Maintenance foreman at First Baptist Church in Tupelo and worked there for 25 plus years.

Over the years, Billy became an avid golfer. He loved his golfing buddies and played on many different courses. He also took up running and bicycling. He ran a marathon and many other road races, and did a 100 mile bicycle race.

Billy married Angela Hope Murphy, from Mooreville, on June 24, 1990, and they had two children, Joseph and Kellie.

He is survived by his brother, Johnny Nichols; sister-in-law, Patsy Nichols; children, Todd, Brad, Kent (Missy), Amye Jo, Joseph, and Kellie Grace (Michael); grandchildren, Will Nichols (Mary Kate), Abby Nichols, Marion Steele (Josh), Emma Nichols, Dylan Barrett (Laken), Devyn Barrett, Nash Nichols, Sawyer Pendley, and Forest Pendley; and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Bobby; sister, Beverly Yancy and her husband, Bob; and first wife, Brenda Kingsley Nichols.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mr. Nichols will be 2 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with a eulogy provided by Bro. Rickey Young and music by Bro. Randy Wood. Burial will follow at Crossroads Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Will Nichols, Jonathan Nichols, Dennis Murphy, David Blackwell, Michael Pendley, and Buddy Long.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.