Obituary of William Warren Nichols (Bill)

William Warren Nichols (Bill) passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and daughters after a valiant battle with cancer. 

Bill was born in Tucson, AZ to Thomas "Bill Sr." Nichols and Betty Henry Nichols. His family moved several times during his life due to his fathers occupation in sales. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Bloomington, MN and went on to attend Georgetown College in KY where he met his lifelong friend Mike Matsumara Spencer. Bill loved to travel so he sold motorcycles to finance his interest. He then tried to start several business enterprises before eventually at age 23 landing on what would become his life's work. He founded Bluegrass Business Services in 1973. After a short time, he convinced his mother to quit her job at UK and go into business with him. It became a family operation when his sister, Dad, friends Mike and Den Brown, and eventually his Uncle Buz, wife Susan and brother in law Bob, joined the business. After 50 years, Bluegrass Integrated Communications is still thriving today. One of his main goals was to make sure the employees and their families were taken care of. 

Bill had many interests. He loved snow skiing, riding his bike and motorcycle, swimming, cooking and much more. He was the quintessential social butterfly. He went all in on the Herrington Lake house that he designed and had constructed and loved every minute he was there. He was active in many organizations throughout the years, most notably serving on the Lexington Art League Board, Woodland Arts Fair and the Nest. He also served on the Friends of the Arts school board while his daughters were students at SCAPA. Whatever he did, he did wholeheartedly. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Ward and Florence Powers. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his daughters, Melissa Claire Nichols and Samantha (Kevin) Barry. His grandchildren, Blake Eloise, Mila Claire and William Patrick Barry. His sister, Jacqueline (Bob) Allen, many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His in-laws, Alan Powers, Jan (Denzil) Cole, Barb (Stan) Anderson, Ken (Denise) Powers, and Leslie Burns. Also his family through his son-in-law, the Barrys & the MacSwans and his many friends. There will be a celebration of life for Bill on October 27 at the Signature Club in Lexington between 5 and 8 p.m. 

Special thanks to Dr. Hao and the staff at UK Markey Cancer Center and to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Also, to Bluegrass Care Navigators. Please consider a donation to one of these fine organizations or one of your choosing in memory of Bill.