William Ralph Nichols

William Ralph Nichols, 72, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi – known to most as Bill and to a lucky few as “Knute” – passed away peacefully at his home on August 24, 2025.

Bill was born on October 8, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas. After graduating from high school in Wichita, he moved to Pascagoula, Mississippi, which became his beloved adopted home. There, in an unconventional but deeply meaningful way, he was “adopted” into the Flint family, with Mama Flint and her sons becoming lifelong brothers to him.

He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977. After a brief stint as a landman with Marion Oil Corporation in Mobile, Alabama (where he welcomed his son, Erich), Bill continued his career as a landman with Sohio Oil, moving his family to Edmond, Oklahoma (where he welcomed his daughter, Nicole). During that time, he discovered his passion for flying. He earned, his pilot’s license and cherished flying his small orange-and-brown Cessna 172, often taking his family from Edmond to Biloxi, Mississippi, to visit his then-mother-in-law, Peggy Carmouche, who loved him like the son she never had. For those who know – yes, that was a very small plane for such long trips…especially with diaper changes at 6,000 feet.

Bill eventually migrated back to Mississippi and built a rich life. He was known for his humor, adventurous spirit, love of flying and passion for fishing. He was also a devoted fan of Southern Miss football (or really any USM sport). He never met a stranger, and his humor and kindness earned him a lifetime of friends. In 2001, he showcased his spirit (or rather peacocked his personality) as King of Mardi Gras for Krewe of Vesta. A few years later, Bill met the love of his life, Darlene. They married in 2009. Life with Darlene meant becoming part of an even larger extended family, as Darlene is one of 8 siblings, with the Hosey clan having 24 children and 48 grandchildren, all of whom became his own.

To say that Bill enjoyed his life with Darlene until his death doesn’t scratch the surface. Darlene brought healthy habits, a love for travel, and an active lifestyle. She even encouraged him to convert to Catholicism in 2004, after which he became a frequent parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. Thanks to Darlene, we can all take comfort in knowing exactly where he is now!

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Hosey Nichols, his mother, Charmaine Oehlert Nichols, his children, Erich Nichols (Jaklyn Wrigley), his daughter, Nicole “Girlfriend” Nichols (Adam), his stepchildren Brooke Hennig (Scott), Lauren Daams (Danny), and Lynsie Gerache (Joey); and his grandchildren, Dixie Norris, Norah Grace Nichols and Grahm Nichols. He is also survived by his brother, John Rudolph Nichols (Damaris), and his sister, Susan Nichols Edgington (Marvin), along with many step grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Bill is also survived by his best good boy, Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Henry Nichols, his grandparents, Erich J Krenke and Dorothy Krenke, and Cora (Littlefield) Nichols Davis and Ralph Lawrence Davis, and his former best good boys, Ollie and Bert.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul of St. Alphonsus in Bill’s memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 12, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life immediately after, at 1105 Le Voyageur Drive, Ocean Springs, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of William Ralph Nichols.