William "Onion" Nicholls' Obituary
William “Onion” Nicholls, age 91 of Hazel Park, Michigan and formerly of Royal Oak, Michigan passed away on August 29, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 30, 1933 in Royal Oak, Michigan to Bertie and Susan (Shafer) Nicholls.
Beloved Husband of Betty A. (Pariseau) Nicholls. They were married at St. Rita Parish, Detroit, Michigan on May 22, 1957. Dear Father of Jean Nicholls (Rod Selph), William J. (Kathy) Nicholls and Michael A. Nicholls. Grandfather of Greggory (Kimberly) Nicholls, William J. Nicholls, Jr., and Bradley John Nicholls. Great-Grandfather of Samantha, Hunter, Tanner, Charlotte and Blake Nicholls. Proceeded in death by Laura Nicholls, Bert (Betty) Nicholls, Betty Spear. Brother of Patsy (James- deceased) Culp, Peggy (James- deceased) Banes and Susan (Gerald) Barringer. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In 1956 he was drafted into US Army as a communication corps. He served his time in Germany as a radio operator. At the time of discharge he attained the rank of Spec 4, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Metal.
He was a long time employee of DeVlieg Machine Company, one is contained in the Henry Ford Museum, go check it out. Due to DeVlieg closing its doors, with him being one of those “locking” them, he would later retire at a company that would “refurbish” DeVlieg Machines.
He was a long time Divan member of Galicia Caravan #77 of the International Order of the Alhambra until his health no longer allowed. Member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Murphy # 3257. Member of the American Legion Post 0253. Life Member of the AMVETS Post 27.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the Rosary at 7:00 pm being lead by the Galicia Caravan. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6th beginning at 9:30 am (Instate) followed by the 10:00 am Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Hazel Park, Michigan. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan (at a future date).
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