Coach William Keith "Bill" Nichols

Coach William “Bill” Keith Nichols, 85, of Blountsville died peacefully 20 February 2023 surrounded by family. Bill was born December 12, 1937 in Altoona, AL to Garvis and Opal Nichols. He was a 1956 graduate of Altoona High School where he excelled in football. Initially recruited by Georgia Tech, Bill played college football at Jacksonville State University, where he broke the school’s single season rushing record with 1,051 yards, averaging 9.6 yards per carry during his junior season. In that same season he was named Little All American as one of the top gridiron players in the nation. During his senior season he met and married the lovely Mary Elizabeth Hubbard and after graduation from JSU they moved to Blountsville to become longtime teachers at J.B. Pennington High School where they helped mentor and mold the community’s future generations. Bill was named head football coach at PHS in his second year, where he forged a lasting legacy, and was named Blount County Coach of the Year multiple times. Bill coached many amazing athletes and tremendous teams, supported by outstanding coaches and staff, with one momentous streak of 23 games with no losses. Until his last day, visitors often greeted Bill by the affectionate title of “Coach.” Bill possessed an amazing work ethic, buying his first “log” truck, crosscut saw, and mule at age 17. Logging became the strength conditioning system that contributed to Bill’s football success. He continued to cut and haul timber until age 75. In addition, he operated two cattle farms; a love of labor he continued until near 83 years of age. Hunting quail was his one hobby, or maybe passion, that was not work-related. Buying his first bird dog at age 16, Bill became masterful at training dogs and finding coveys. He shared this passion with friends and family, creating memories still discussed during cold winter days. Bill loved spending quality time with family, both immediate and extended. His family enjoyed the annual pilgrimage to the Nichols Family Reunion on the outskirts of Snead, where siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins told stories about the “old” days. Bill adored his children, and in his later years, his wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who always brought a smile to his gentle face. Above all, Bill cherished the love of his life of nearly 55 years, his Mary, or “Mae” as he affectionately called her. His life on earth forever changed when the Lord took her home to heaven in 2015. Bill is survived by his daughter Anna Nichols, son Keith Nichols (Cheryl), daughter Janey Knutson (Naven), grandchildren Josh King (Jeri), Katie Heindl (Brittain), Mary Lawlor (Luke), Sarah Sandoval (Manolo), Anna Knutson, 1LT Will Nichols, 7 great-grandchildren, his sister Joan Payne, and many nieces and nephews. Bill will be laid to rest with a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at the Blountsville City Cemetery on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Brother Billy Vaughn and Donnie Breaseale will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Luke Lawlor, Shannon Payne, Will Nichols, Josh King, Naven Knutson and Brittain Heindl. In lieu of flowers the family of Coach Nichols asks for donations to be made to the Parkinson Foundation at parkinson.org or the Alzheimer Association at alz.org Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing

Coach William Keith "Bill" Nichols

December 12, 1937 - February 20, 2023