William Nichols

William Nichols, 97, passed away at 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Kessler Estates in Lima.

William was born on May 2, 1925 in Lima, Ohio, to Charles “Nick” and Ota (Wilkins) Nichols.  On July 27, 1946 he married Joyce (Laeufer) Nichols, who survives in Lima.  Joyce and William had just celebrated 76 years of marriage.

William was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII, having served in both theaters of war in Europe and the Pacific.  He served on the Destroyer H.R. Dixon in the Pacific to finish out the war.  He was one of the first 300 hired at Ford.  He started out as an Oiler for Ford in 1957 and retired in 1987 as a Cutter/Grinder.  Fishing was his passion and he also loved watching sports, especially the Little League World Series, Steelers and OSU.  William was a lifetime member of the VFW, and a member of the American Legion and Eagles.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Jack) Miller; son, Wm. Craig (Peggy) Nichols; grandchildren: Karen (Mike) Wilson, Rebecca (Kraig) Mcwhinney, William Christopher (Jessica) Nichols and Michael (Jacquelyn) Nichols; step-grandchildren: Tara Cook, Tabitha (Ray) Kilmer and Chris (Jana) Miller; great-grandchildren: Cayden, Landon, Patton, Nora, Cara, Adelyn and Declan.  He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Stacy Moor-Morales.

The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Rev. Paul Scannell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kessler Estates or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elida.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.