Billy Joe Nichols

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Memorial Funeral Home from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Tracy Cook officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.

Billy was born on October 26, 1925 in Columbia, MO the son of Abner Purl Nichols and Josephine Florence (Ficklin) Nichols who preceded him in death. He was married on August 31, 1946 in Columbia, MO to Delores Boehm who preceded him in death. BJ was a veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII.

After serving in the military, BJ worked for JE Hathman Construction Company as a Superintendent for 30 years. He then worked as a Superintendent for other companies until he started his own construction company, BJ Nichols Construction, until he retired in 1990. During this time he worked on several local schools and universities, hospitals and other large commercial buildings leaving his mark throughout Boone County.

BJ was a member of the Carpenters Local 1925 for 72 years, and a longtime member of the following organizations: Moolah Shriners, Grand Lodge A F & A M of Missouri, Acacia Lodge, 32° Scottish Rite of Freemasonary, Aleppo Grotto, VFW Post 280, American Legion Post 202, Aerie 2730 Fraternal Order Of Eagles, St. Graal Commentary No. 12 Knights Templar, Columbia Chapter No. 17 (Royal Arch Mason), Centralia Council No. 34 (Cryptic Mason), Ducks Unlimited, and PT Boaters.

In his spare time, BJ loved going fishing, hunting and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends where he owned a lake cabin for 56 years.

Survivors include: four daughters, Billie Jean Tyler (Robert) of Ashland, MO, Barbara Hague (Rick) of Columbia, MO, Deborah Rice (Darrell) of Rocheport, MO and Dorothea Perkins (Michael) of Columbia, MO; one brother, Carl Nichols (Margaret) of Columbia, MO and one sister-in-law, Doreen Nichols of Columbia; eight grandchildren, Andrea Rainwater, Dianna Looper, Rebecca Batsell, Richard Hague III, Derrick Rice, Kimberly Begemann, Adam Perkins and Andrew Perkins; sixteen great-grandchildren, Austin Rainwater, Ashley Garrett, Danielle Looper, Tyler Looper, Waylen Looper, Rachel Batsell, Robyn Batsell, Grant Hague, Jaxon Rice, Whitney Rice, Blaine Begemann, Kendall Begemann, Hudson Perkins, Jace Perkins, Everly Perkins and Emerson Perkins; four great great-grandchildren, Kellam Garrett, Kylan Garrett, Aiden Peterson and Leighton Looper. Also, several nieces and nephews.

Also, preceding him in death were a brother, Jimmy C. Nichols, Sr. and six sisters, Maureen Nichols, Agnes Nichols, Dorothy Hummel (Charlie), Mary Douglas (Garland), Wynonna King and Lois Noel (Jack).

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Charity of Donor’s Choice, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.