Billy Gene Nicholas

Billy Gene Nicholas, 71, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, July 19, 2007, in Jonesboro, Ark.

Mr. Nicholas was born April 21, 1936, in Dell, Ark. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, in Poplar Bluff, and was a self-employed truck driver. Mr. Nicholas was also a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, fishing, trucks, and his church.

On June 6, 1994, he married Karen Rice, in Piggott, Ark. She survives.

Other survivors include 10 children, Billy K. Nicholas, Mark Nicholas, Tim Nicholas, Angie Osipuk, and Joanie Terrell, all of Lake Charles, La., Terri Turner, of Sulphur, La., Amy Nicholas and Diana Nicholas, both of Poplar Bluff, and Carmen Rice and Lesa Moody, of Pell City, Ala.; 19 grandchildren; and sister, Louise Thickson, of Osceola, Ark.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel, with the Rev. Shelvie Stephens officiating. Burial will be at the New Oak Hill Cemetery, in Butler County.