William Edward (Eddie) Nichols, age 78 died Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at Woodbury Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in the Nichols Hollow, April 5, 1944, in Auburntown, TN. He was preceded in death by his son Andrew Edward (Andy) Nichols, parents Wiley Gray “Buck” Nichols and Mattie Drue (Willard) Nichols, and sister Judith Gayle Nichols Johnson VanHook.
Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 54 years, Winifred Donna (Gaither) Nichols of Auburntown, daughter Sara Drue (Chris) Zimmer of Petal, Mississippi, two grandsons, Andrew Christopher and Canyon Joseph Zimmer, brother Danny Michael (Claudia) Nichols of Pulaski, and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by first cousin John D. Nichols of Woodbury, whom he called every Sunday night, and many other cousins.
A native of Cannon County, he graduated from Auburn High School in 1962 and served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1965-1968.
Mr. Nichols was a member of the Auburn Baptist Church. He was a life-long farmer and enjoyed clearing land of limestone rocks to construct retaining walls and ponds on his Hurricane Creek farm. He had a special appreciation for animals, history, and Nichols and Willard family early American settlers. He enjoyed mechanics and restoration of tractors, heavy equipment, and vintage cars.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Woodbury Funeral Home on Friday, November 4, from 10:00 am to time of funeral at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Brother Larry Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Woodbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auburn Baptist Church, P.O. Box 66, Auburntown, TN 37016. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net