Willie Wayne Nichols

Willie Wayne Nichols, 87, longtime resident of Big Spring, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. Viewing will be from 9:00am to 9:00pm, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.  Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.

Willie Wayne Nichols, was born on April 27, 1939, in Vivian, Louisiana, to James Loomis Nichols and Clara Mae Wells Nichols. One of eight children, Willie grew up with the strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and deep love for family that would guide him throughout his life.

After graduating from North Caddo High School in 1957, Willie joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. While there, he met the love of his life, Joyce Railsback. They were married on November 11, 1959, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 66 wonderful years.

During his military service, Willie was stationed in Thule, Greenland, before returning to Webb Air Force Base. Together, Willie and Joyce built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work while raising their two children, Allen Nichols and Lana Nichols East. When Webb Air Force Base closed, Willie was transferred to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.

Following his Air Force service, Willie worked as an air conditioning and heating mechanic in Dallas before returning to Big Spring, where he founded Nichols Air Conditioning and Heating Service Company. For more than 40 years, he became known for his skill, honesty, determination, and ability to fix nearly anything. Whether restoring old cars, repairing boats and RVs, or solving difficult mechanical problems, Willie approached every project with patience, creativity, and pride.

Willie lived life with passion and curiosity. He loved boats, motorcycles, airplanes, and classic cars. He was an airplane pilot, flight instructor, and crop duster, always drawn to adventure and the open sky. Willie and Joyce shared a love of travel and spent years touring all 48 inland states together on their motorcycle, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

One of Willie’s greatest joys was restoring classic automobiles. His most treasured possession was a beautifully restored 1939 Ford Coupe — the same model year as his birth — which he lovingly owned and cared for for more than 40 years. Restoring older things was more than a hobby to Willie; it reflected his patient spirit, craftsmanship, and appreciation for history.

Above all else, Willie loved his family deeply and took great pride in each generation that followed him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Nichols; his son, Allen Nichols and wife Cara of Big Spring, Texas; his daughter, Lana East and husband Todd of Grove, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Kyle Nichols and wife Kayla Jo, Kayla Marie Sumner and husband Jeremy, and Nathaniel East; and his great-grandchildren, Jack Nichols, Jules Nichols, and Jericho Sumner.

Willie is also survived by his sisters, Johnnie Mae Bridgeman and Patsy Berzansky; and his brothers, Jerry Nichols and Richard Nichols.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Loomis Nichols and Clara Mae Nichols, and his brother, Charles “Bub” Nichols.

Willie will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, mechanical brilliance, unwavering devotion to his family, and the kindness and generosity he showed to everyone who knew him.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, staff, and especially the nursing team on the fifth floor at the Big Spring Veterans Hospital for the compassion, dignity, encouragement, and exceptional care they provided during Willie’s final months. We are also deeply grateful for the prayers, visits, love, and support from dear friends and our church family at 14th and Main Church of Christ. Your kindness, sacrifices, and faithfulness carried our family through a difficult season, and we will never forget the care and love you showed Willie and all of us.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com