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The Villages, FL—William P. Nichols, Sr., formerly of Indianapolis, IN, died January 17 after battling chronic leukemia. He was 79.

The founder of today’s Reis-Nichols, he was a GIA graduate gemologist and jewelry appraising instructor.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Ethel, and his family and the many friends whose lives he touched with his humor and compassion.

Nichols grew up in Indianapolis with nine brothers and sisters, and graduated from Washington High School. In 1957, he purchased his uncle Eldridge H. Nichols’ jewelry store, renaming it William P. Nichols Jewelers. The store was located in the State Life Building on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis, until it was destroyed by fire in 1973. Nichols then relocated to the second floor of the L. Strauss building in Indianapolis, where it operated for several years.

In 1972, he purchased the Reis Company, a Masonic jewelry wholesale manufacturer. After spending several years on the road selling to jewelry stores, he renamed the store to Reis-Nichols and opened to the public in 1980 at 141 South Meridian St. In 1988, Reis-Nichols moved to the Majestic building on Pennsylvania St. in Indianapolis, and in 1991, Nichols’ five children became owners. His son B.J. became president and in 1998 moved the store to its present location. He later opened a second store in Greenwood, IN.

Bill Nichols also was an owner and managing partner in purchasing the Dolphin Club in 1973, on Indianapolis’s north side. Additionally, he created the West Indy Racquet Club, which involved converting three clay courts to six indoor and six outdoor courts, which are still in use today.

Nichols is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ethel, (née Normington), and five children: Cindy Nichols Rexroth (Mark), Linda Nichols Kenny, Brenda Walls (Robin), Karla Sudzina, and B.J. Nichols (Lori). He also is survived by 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by siblings Regina McCarty, Johnny, Rex, Norma Morgan, and Donna Hopper. Surviving siblings include Roland, Jerry, Kathy, and Dan.

Nichols was involved with the Rotary Club, Air National Guard, and several charitable organizations in Indianapolis and central Florida. His favorite recent philanthropic efforts were focused on the kids in need at Wildwood Elementary School in Florida. He was an avid golfer and bridge player and a member of Fairway Christian Church in The Villages, Florida.

A memorial service was held January 26 at Zionsville Presbyterian Church in Zionsville, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Helpings and Wheeler Mission of Indianapolis.