Billy D. Nicholas, 72, of Newton Falls, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 surrounded by his wife and family at Hillcrest Memorial Hospital in Cleveland due to complications after surgery. Billy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

He was born in Confluence, PA on February 28, 1951, the son of the late Arlington "Arley" P. and Eulah V. (Conley) Nicholas. Billy and his family moved to Ohio during his senior year of high school. He graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1969. Billy worked at General Electric in Warren for 38 years as a Journeyman Millwright, retiring in 2007.

Billy loved fishing, boating and spending time with his family. He was a 6 foot 3 inch teddy bear who never had an issue with telling you exactly how he felt. He was never short on good advice. His family never doubted his love and devotion to them. He was a constant at every important event in his children's and grandchildren's lives. His family would describe him as "The greatest man they have ever known." He will be forever missed.

Billy married his wife, the former Linda Stiffler on July 13, 1985. Together they blended a family of five children; Holly (Brian) Kelzer of Struthers, Tami Nicholas and Christy Nicholas both of Niles, Denise (Brian) Schweitzer of Parma, Randall Smith of Champion, all whom survive Billy. They were blessed with 12 grandchildren; Tyler Lallemand, Kristian (Taylor) Youngblood, Renee Lallemand, Morgan (Robert) Watson, RJ Smith, Devin Hall, Hayden (Caitlyn) Youngblood, Nicholas Hall, Halle Smith, Mason Kelzer, CJ Nicholas and Brian Kelzer; four great grandchildren; Owen Youngblood, Carson Kelzer, Asher Youngblood, Benjamin Kelzer and a fifth Great Grandson due any day, that he was honored to know will be named after him. Also surviving Billy are his siblings, Joyce Anspach of Cortland, Patty (Robin) Martin of Warren and Roger (Maryann) Nicholas of Shock, WV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Etta Pearl, Burton, Juanita and Paul.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 2-4pm at James Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4pm by Rev, Mitch Meadors. The family will hold a Celebration of Life service for Billy at a later date.

The family requests that donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital  262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online and send condolences by visiting our website at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.