Mr. Nichols, most commonly known as "Grandpop", entered into rest on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Lebanon Veteran's Administration Hospital hospice. He was the youngest son of the late Alan Walker Nichols and Lillian Beatrice (Waters) Nichols born on April 19, 1923 in Upper Fairmount, Somerset County, Maryland.

He was a graduate and valedictorian of the class of 1940 at Greenwood High School, and continued his education at Princess Anne College in Princes Anne, Maryland, where he studied carpentry and electrical engineering in the Industrial Arts program. He also participated on the school's football team as a running back. Drafted into the United States Army in 1943, he served as a truck driver and sharpshooter with the 4049th Quarter Master Company in the European Theatre of War, including battle campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, The Rhinelands, The Ardennes and Central Europe. Upon discharge, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became employed at Sears and Roebuck in the shipping and receiving department until his retirement in 1988. During his tenure at Sears, he also worked part-time as a postal sorter for the United States Post Office in Philadelphia.

In 1948, he met and married the late Marian Elizabeth (Oveide) Nichols and enjoyed 53 years with her until her death in 2001. Three children were produced from this union, Deborrah Coffin (Lancaster, PA), William Nichols, Jr. (Honolulu, HI) and John Nichols (San Antonio, TX). Mr. Nichols is also survived by eight grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Mr. Nichols enjoyed many activities during his life, but his passion for carpentry took center stage. He utilized his skills as a Master Carpenter until the day of his death.

A graveside service with Military Honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016 in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, 1918 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA.