William Campbell Nicholas, Sr., was born on October 16, 1932, in Orlando, Florida to
Joseph Julian and Minnie Ola Nicholas. He was the sixth of eight children. "Billy" grew
up on Buckeye Street with his five brothers - Joe, Francis, John, Dan ("Beezer"), Walter,
and two sisters – Lorena and Willie Sue.

He graduated from Winter Park High School in 1952 and attended Orlando Junior
College. He entered active-duty service in the United States Navy on December 7,
1955, serving on the USS Barton (DD 722). The Navy honorably released him on
November 30, 1957.

In December of 1957 he met the love of his life, Martha Marie Davis Nicholas. They
married on August 29, 1958 – the same date as his father's birthday. He worked in
numerous positions as an employee of Hammond Electronics. Later, he would work for
Martin Marietta and Taylor Rentals. He retired from employment in 1992. However, he
never retired from Christian service. A long-time member of Woodhaven Baptist Church,
he would lead worship music and served as a deacon under several pastors. He was a
gifted singer. He sang in church choirs and especially with Martha. He played the piano,
the guitar, the harmonica, and the saw. He loved building and repairing electronics,
wood carving, and home remodeling. He was a humble man of prayer and lifelong
student of the Bible. He loved his family and church dearly and adored his
grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Ola Nicholas, brother Joe (Mary
Jane), sister Lorena, brothers Francis (Birnell), John (Jane), Dan, sister Willie Sue
(Melvin) and daughter-in-law Patricia Lea Crawford Nicholas. He is survived by his wife
Martha, his youngest brother Walter (Ruth), his son William "Chip" Nicholas, daughter
Tamra "Tammy" Nicholas, granddaughter Julia, grandson Scott, and many nieces and
nephews.