William (Bill) Jerry Nicholson was called home by his Heavenly Father on October 21, 2022. Bill was born on March 26, 1943, in Springfield, Missouri to Vernon and Virginia Nicholson. He graduated from high school in Mt. Vernon, MO. Bill recognized the importance of education. He attended several colleges and earned various degrees. He received his BS in economics and sociology from Southwest Missouri State College. From there, he continued his education and obtained two master's degrees in economics and business from the University of Arkansas and the University of Utah.

Bill served as a Captain of the United States Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He served as an infantry officer on his first tour and a helicopter pilot on his second tour. He was later stationed in Germany as an engineer. After serving his country, he initially worked for Hilti Tools and later as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch, from which he retired.

Bill loved the outdoors. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, running marathons, scuba diving, riding his motorcycle with the Springfield Harley Owner's Club and watching the Denver Broncos. Bill was highly competitive and was always looking for opportunities to outdo his brother, Tom. Their competitive stunts are frequently brought up at family gatherings and will fill the room with laughter. Bill came from a close-knit family and thoroughly enjoyed the Nicholson Cousin Club reunions. He was very proud of his son and adored his grandchildren. Bill was well known for his frugalness. Family and friends knew to dress in layers if you visited his house in the winter months. Bill was proud to be a member of the Seminole Baptist Church and loved his church family.

Bill is survived by his son, Steve Nicholson; granddaughters, Taylor Nicholson and Ashlyn VanWinkle (Andrew); great-grandchildren, Chance and Troy Nicholson; sister, Nancy (Art) Graves, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He joins his heavenly family, Vernon Nicholson (father), Virginia Nicholson-Richardson (mother), Glenn Richardson (stepfather) and Tom Nicholson (brother). He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.

His graveside service is Wednesday, November 2, at 2:00 pm at IOOF Cemetery (County Road 1137, Mount Vernon, MO 65712).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the following:

Seminole Baptist Church, 4221 S. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65810, or Disabled American Veterans Association https://www.dav.org , or IOOF Cemetery, PO Box 421, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712.