William Clark Nichol, known affectionately as Bill to his friends and family, was a man whose life was a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to his community, and his loving nature. Born on January 15, 1931, in Home, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Bill embarked on a journey through life that would be marked by achievement, service, and the joy of family until his peaceful passing on July 7, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania.
A proud graduate of Penn State University, Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics in 1952. During his time at the university, he demonstrated leadership as President of the Agricultural Economics Club, President of the Campus 4-H club, a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and a charter member of the Coaly Society. He was a member of Penn State Air Force ROTC and later served in the US Air Force stationed in South Korea.
Bill’s professional career was distinguished by his 37-year tenure as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Holstein Association. His visionary leadership was instrumental in the association’s growth to over 6,300 members. Through his efforts in international marketing, he shipped dairy cattle to over 50 countries. Bill helped to establish the embryo transfer program, the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Dairy Cattle sale, the Penn State Ag Arena Benefit Sale, and reorganized the Dairy Princess program. Bill left an indelible mark on the industry. His outstanding contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the All-American Dairy Show Pioneer Award, the Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership National Award, the National Dairy Shrine Award, the Obie Snider Award, and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Holstein Association USA. He was a charter member of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Armsby Honor Society. He was also inducted into the Pennsylvania Dairy Hall of Fame.
Bill’s faith was central to his life. He was a dedicated member of the State College Presbyterian Church since 1959, where he served as a member of the Board of Deacons, Ruling Elder, Board of Trustees, and was involved in the Long-Range Planning Committee. His commitment to his faith and his church was unwavering and served as a foundation for his actions and interactions with others.
Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Bill was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Board of Directors for the State College Area Family YMCA, including two years as President, where he played a critical role in fundraising for a new building. His service earned him the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award in 1985. Bill’s engagement with the State College Kiwanis Club since 1956 was marked by leadership and recognition, including serving as President and receiving the Kiwanis International Hixson Award. Over 20 years ago he helped to start the Kiwanis Blueberry Sale that continues today raising funds for children.
Bill was a long-standing member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Football Foundation. He was Treasurer for 15 years and served as a Board Member. Bill also served on the Mellon Bank Board and on the Board of Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School.
His love for the community was matched by his love for his family. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Lilly Ann Greider Nichol; his daughter Nancy Nichol Myers and her husband Craig Myers; his grandchildren Lindsay Myers Quinn and her husband Spencer Quinn, Spencer William Myers, and Taylor Michelle Myers, as well as his great-grandchildren Isla Quinn and Grant Quinn. His sisters Grace Himes, Emme Anderson, and Jean Fleming also mourn his passing. Bill was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Mildred Nichol, his brothers Beryl, Warren, and Bob Nichol, and his sisters Peg Baker and Marian Rusnak.
Bill and Lilly enjoyed attending Penn State football games and traveling to all 50 US states and many countries. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Centre Hills Country Club and served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed landscaping and invested his creative talents into the beauty of their family homes. His humor and loving nature were a source of comfort and joy to all who knew him.
Bill’s legacy is one of love, leadership, and a life richly lived. His impact on his family, community, and the countless lives he touched will continue to be felt for generations to come. As we bid farewell to Bill, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man deeply loved. His journey on earth has ended, but his spirit remains a guiding light to all who were blessed to know him.
Friends will be received from 5 to 7 pm on Friday July 18, 2025, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College, PA.
The funeral service will be at 11 am on Saturday July 19, 2025, at State College Presbyterian Church, 132 West Beaver Avenue, State College, PA with Reverend Scott Hoffman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William C. Nichol Trustee Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State. Checks should be written out to “Penn State University” and include “Nichol Scholarship SCANW” in the memo, mailed to: Penn State Donor and Member Services, 329 Innovation Blvd Suite 311, State College, PA 16803.
Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com
