Billy Carroll Nichols, 84, of Fayetteville, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Billy was born on November 25, 1939, in Piedmont, SC, to the late James Ernest Nichols and Minnie Murrell Chandler Nichols.

He retired from the U.S. Army after 20+ years of service where he served one tour in Korea, two tours in Germany, and three tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He later retired from Civil Service at Ft. Bragg.

Billy loved playing pool and was a longtime member of the American Pool Players Association. He enjoyed singing and karaoke. He recorded several gospel and country music CD's, one which he and his daughter sing together. His favorite artist was George Jones, and many have said he sounded like him.  Any time that he could get away, you could find him playing bingo or gambling, where he enjoyed playing the slots and three card poker.

He had a love for NASCAR, where he would frequent races if his health allowed, then he would watch and record them at home.  In his younger years, Billy was known for building show trucks, where he won numerous 1st place awards at shows.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Linda Nichols and 7 siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna N. Emprimo (Scott Waters); grandchildren, Michael Emprimo, Nicole Emprimo (Jordan Parker) and their father Philip Emprimo; great granddaughters, Teylor, Arianna, Allison, Sierra, Judith and Harper.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow with full military honors at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.  Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post 670 at 1:30 p.m.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com