Billy Joe Nichols

Billy Joe Nichols was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 26, 1947, to Mary Alice Shackleford Nichols and went to be with Jesus on March 15, 2024. Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Alice and his siblings, Immogene Shell, Jimmy Bush, and Thomas Nichols. Billy is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Lora Lea Morrow Nichols; his children, Penny Lea Chimene (husband, Richard Chimene, Jr.), Gregory Heath Nichols (wife, Lucinda Nichols), and Jennifer Lea Ina (husband, Shawn Ina); grandchildren, Ashton (husband Zachary), Shaine, Kaitlyn, Hailea, Addison, Cloe, and Noah; and great-grandchildren, Dustin, Kyree, Donovan, and Kailani.

Billy moved to Houston, Texas at the age of nine and became a high school athlete at Milby High School, where he graduated in 1966. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lora, on August 2, 1968, where they raised their family in Houston until they moved to Centerville, Texas in 2006. Billy was an electrical parts salesman by trade for thirty years, but his real accomplishment was being the most loving husband, father, and grandfather. He gave his family and this life all he had. He loved deeply and fiercely passing on a legacy that no words can provide justice. Billy was an avid baseball fan, and his favorite baseball player was his son, Greg. He spent countless hours coaching little league just to be a part of his son’s talent. He was a coach to many but was the biggest cheerleader to all his children and grandchildren in all they aspired to do. As much as he loved baseball, he loved his wife and the family they built more. He was a member of North Creek Baptist Church in Centerville, Texas and volunteered many hours cooking for the senior center in Centerville, where he made the best gumbo. Billy loved the Lord, and he displayed that love in action to his family and to all who encountered him. He never wanted any credit for helping others, but Billy knew what it was like to do without and made the determination that his wife, children, and their children never would. There are no earthly accomplishments or accolades that can compare to what Billy left his family. He provided all that his family needed to carry on: roots, wings, and the Godly example on how to be present in the lives of those he loved and prioritize what really mattered in life. Now that’s the good stuff.

A funeral service honoring Billy's life will be held 10 A.M., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at North Creek Baptist Church.  Pastor of the church, Bro. Don Craft, will officiate the service.  Interment will follow in North Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Nichols family kindly requests that memorials be made in Billy's name to the North Creek Baptist Church General Fund, 8153 FM 3178, Centerville, Texas 75833.

Pallbearers:  Richard Chimene, Jr., Shaine Suttles, Zack Rideout, Shawn Ina

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.