FAYETTE — William J. “Bill” Nichols Sr., 64, a resident of Campground Road, Fayette, died suddenly Thursday, June 23, at his residence.

He was born May 2, 1947, in Fayette, the son of Kermit and Erla (Knox) Nichols. Bill was a 1965 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

On June 7, 1969, at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls, he married his wife of 42 years, Karen Guild of Livermore Falls. Bill went to work for IP, June 21, 1965, and retired Dec. 31, 2009, from the Waste Water Treatment Department at Verso Paper, formerly IP. Bill was a member of the IP Quarter Century Club.

He enjoyed go-cart racing, NASCAR, as well as other fast car racing. He also enjoyed woodworking and helping build houses. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, a great friend to many and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Nichols of Fayette; his sons, William “Bill” Nichols Jr. and his wife, Faith, of Livermore Falls and Shawn Nichols and longtime companion, Pam Pelotte, of Sidney; his daughter, Karla Clark and husband, Jeff, of Greene; four grandchildren, Michael, Jacob, Samantha Nichols and Blaine Clark; brothers, Dennis Nichols and his wife, Shelby, and Randy Nichols and his wife, Sherry, all of Fayette; special brother-in-law, Rocky Guild of Livermore; and his mother-in-law, Ilean Tracy of Livermore.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.