Billy "Bill" Nichols

Billy "Bill" Nichols, 79, of Mexico, died at 6:35 a.m., on Aug. 16, 2010, at Golden Living Center/Pin Oaks.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday Aug. 20, at Pickering Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:30 on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Bill was born on June 23, 1931, in Columbia, a son of Charles and Beulah (Coose) Nichols. On Aug. 11, 1949, in Mexico, he married Pauline Estes, who survives at the home.

Mr. Nichols served in the U.S. Army as a telephone lineman in the Korean War. He was the owner and operator of Skelly Station for over 30 years. After retirement, he worked for CT's for several years, and also was a security guard at the A.P. Green property.

He was former member of the Mexico Optimist Club and an avid slow pitch softball pitcher. Bill was the #1 fan of the Mexico Bulldogs. For over 20 years he volunteered during high school football games on the "Chain Gang."

In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Steve Nichols, Keven Nichols and wife Karen, and Darven Nichols, all of Mexico; two daughters, Darcy Kelly and Stacy Nichols, both of Mexico; one brother, Charles E. Nichols, Centralia; 7 grandchildren, Jasmin Kelly, Mexico, Cpl. Jordan Kelly and wife Sooz, Jacksonville, N.C., Sgt. Dougie Foster-Nichols, Fort Hood, Tex., Leslie Nichols, Columbia, Scott Nichols, Mexico, Chris Nichols and wife Becky, Santa Fe, and Sarah Kennemore and husband Steve, Mexico; and three great-grandchildren, Sidney and Shelby Kennemore and Gage Nichols.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Kelly.

Memorials may be made to the Bulldog Booster Club to purchase new equipment for the high school football "Chain Gang" and sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.