Wally Nichols, 92

Wallace Willard “Wally” Nichols, age 92, of Sturgis, passed away early Saturday morning, November 20, 2021 at Fairview Living and Rehabilitation in Centreville.
He was born October 13, 1929 in Battle Creek, son of the late Benjamin and Ida Belle (Davis) Nichols.
Wally resided in Sturgis since 1955 coming from Factoryville. His early life was spent in Battle Creek.
On October 29, 1955 he married Doris Stuart in Leonidas.  He and Doris enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 25 years.
Wally retired from Burr Oak Tool in Sturgis following many years of dedicated employment.
He was an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Sturgis and was a graduate of Colon High School with the class of 1946.
Wally was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Wally had an appreciation for antique automobiles and was a member of the Three Rivers Antique Car Club. He was also a member of the Wood Carving Club in Florida, served as a 4-H Leader for many years and enjoyed building model airplanes.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 66 years: Doris; three daughters: Karen (David) Slawinski of White Pigeon, Mary Ellen (Jerry) Bryer of Kalamazoo and Karmen (Richard) Bolla of Sturgis; six grandchildren: Christopher Slawinski, Eric Bryer, Sarah Bryer, Jessica Miles, Zachery Bolla and Megan Swan; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: Steven Nichols; grandsons: Andrew Scott Nichols and Jeremy Nichols; three sisters: Betty Spillane, Doris Littlejohn and Jenny Elliott and two brothers: Ernie Nichols and Junior Nichols.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Wally Nichols will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Matt Taylor will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Nichols memory consider the First Baptist Church, 1050 E. Fawn River Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and leave condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.