Local businessman, community leader, and philanthropist, Bill Nichol, 74, of Hopkinsville, KY died at 2:12 Friday, December 19, 2025 at his residence.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Grace Episcopal Church with burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A native of Hopkinsville, KY he was born October 2, 1951 the son of the late William Henry Nichol, Sr. and Iris Woodall Nichol. Bill was the retired President/CEO of Kentucky Derby Hosiery. He also was a former president of the National Hosiery Association.
Bill was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church where he was currently serving as a vestry member and had served as Senior Warden many times. He was awarded the high honor of the Diocesan Cross by the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky for his work not only at Grace Episcopal Church but also his work with many of the ministries associated with the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky.
Bill attended the University of Kentucky at a time when provisions and accessibility were not common practice on college campuses. It was at this time Bill, became instrumental in the University of Kentucky becoming accessible to all students; a cause he remained committed to after leaving UK. Bill was also a UK Fellow.
Bill was well thought of in the business community and served on numerous boards including: former board member and chair at White Hydraulics, former board member of First City Bank, Area Bank, and BB&T Bank; and current President of the Mount Pleasant Investment Club.
As a community leader Bill served on many local boards including: member and former chair of the Aaron McNeil House; member and chair Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility Board, and was currently serving on the Hopkinsville-Christian County YMCA Foundation Board.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his niece: Mary Louis Goings, and his brothers-in-law: Fred T. Garnett, Bob Waldron, Harold Segal, and Bill Pfeufer.
Bill is survived by his wife: Theresa Nichol; his sister: Brenda Nichol Goings of Mt. Airy, NC; his brother: Lee (Eva) Nichol of Albuquerque, NM; his niece: Anna Goings (Eric) Furr of Belmont, NC; and his great nephews: Porter Furr and Holden Furr. Bill loved all his in laws and is survived by the following brothers and sisters in law: Lois, Laura, Charles (Judy), Donna, Debbie (Rusty), Gina, (Debbie), Philip (Marsha), Billy (Lynn), and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the following: Grace Episcopal Church 216 E. 6th Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240; Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 902 E. 9th Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240; the Aaron McNeil House P.O. Box 137, Hopkinsville, KY 42241; Max’s Hope 710 N. Main Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240, or the Giver’s Favorite Charity.
