Billy Mac Nichols

Billy was born January 26, 1936 in Ranger, TX to William Clinton and Hoyet Nichols. He attended The University of Texas and then chose to serve his country in the Army mechanical engineering field. In addition, he was awarded with the Marksmanship Medal.

Billy Mac married his sweetheart, Sue Garrett just two days before Christmas in 1958. They embarked on the adventure of a lifetime driving to Anchorage, Alaska with a 7-week-old baby and continuing to serve in the Army.

As a civilian he continued in the field of mechanical engineering for over 40 years always curious and engaged in solving problems while simultaneously gaining the respect of those who had the pleasure to work with him.

A unique claim to fame is his copious collection of ‘Mystery Gadgets’ that he carefully sought from antique stores all over the country. Billy Mac literally never met a stranger and was ready with a gadget in his pocket to ask, “Do you know what this is?” We have suitcases full of his treasured gadgets and hearts full of memories of the stories he loved to tell. And by far one of the most entertaining things he did was serenade others with his nose flute. He was always ready with a colorful nose flute in his pocket to play various songs such as Happy Birthday and Pomp and Circumstance. Poppa/Grandpa Mac was the best! Always ready to play horsey on the floor, read a book, explain the history of his mystery gadget or just love on the grandkids he adored. Amazingly, Billy Mac was able to keep his sharpshooting skills his whole life and received the highest score in his Concealed Carry Licenses at 83 years young!

Overarching all of this was the fact that he was a serious student of the Word of God, and a lifelong faithful church member who served sacrificially, loving missions and happy spreading God’s Truth. He lived a life that makes others want to emulate.

Billy Mac is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sue Nichols. A dearly loved father of Kelly Nichols, Kim (Kevin) Abbrat, and Jeff (Nicole) Nichols. An adored Poppa/Grandpa of Kelsey (Caleb) Prather, Kaleb Abbrat, Konner Abbrat, Kristianna Abbrat, Zachary Nichols, Elena Nichols. And a doting sister Barbara (Howard) McPherson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifetime friends.

Memorial gifts may be directed to:

Camp Hope

9724 Derrington Rd.

Houston, TX 77064

832-912-4429