Billy Nichols

Billy Elbert Nichols, age 92, of Grove Hill, passed away January 2, 2024. He was born at home on June 8, 1931 in the Mount Pleasant Community of Fayette, AL to Elbert Strong and Roberta Elsie Campbell Nichols. During his early work years, he helped his father farm. After moving to Grove Hill in 1953, he found employment with the Alabama Highway Department where he remained until his retirement in 1995. He enjoyed meeting people which made his job especially suited to him as he serviced the vehicles of employees from all areas of the State.

Billy always loved his church and became a Christian at the age of 16. During his many years as a member of Grove Hill Baptist Church, he was involved with its activities and served faithfully in several capacities.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers Grady Walter, Bobby Walter, and Howard Glenn; his 2 sisters Martha Audrey Nichols New and Betty Jewel Nichols Tomlinson; his nephew Samuel Euguene New III, and his faithful and loving wife Maureen O'Connor Nichols. He is survived by his son Billy "Van" VanLandingham Nichols (Alisha and children Addison and Collins), and also his nephews Jerry Douglas New (Joan), John Hurtis Tomlinson, Jr. (Chris) and David Nichols Tomlinson (Karen), and his nieces Martha Ann New Chandler (Tommy), Janet Lynn Nichols Rachel (James), and Angela Fawn Nichols Dunnam (Glenn); and a host of cousins, grand and multi-grand nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Sam Curtis, Keegan Hamilton, Karl Hawsey, Matthew Hawsey, Charlie Reid, and Josh Stokley.

Honorary pallbearers were Billy's nephews: Jerry New, Johnny Tomlinson, David Tomlinson, Glenn Dunnam, Tommy Chandler, James Rachel, Jonathan Rachel, Nicholas Rachel, and members of Bill's Sunday School class.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Lathan Funeral Home in Grove Hill with a visitation starting at 10:15. Bro. David Curtis, Dr. Randy Boone, and Bro. Russell Wright officiating.