Willie Gray Nichols, age 85, of Hamilton, AL, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Arabella Health and Wellness in Vernon, AL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2:00pm from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Liberty Cemetery near Detroit, AL. Bro. B.J. Mills to officiate with Bro. Danny Stanford and JR Reich serving as Honorary Officiants. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Pallbearers: Keith Stanford, Barry Stanford, Parker Stanford, Danny Lee, Jamie Bozeman, JJ Jennings

Willie was born on August 31, 1941 in Beaverton, AL to the late Lecil Stanford and the late Stella Hawkins. She was a 1959 graduate of Sulligent High School. She was previously employed at Wrangler in Hackelburg, Reltoc in Beaverton, Detroit Slacks, and HealthTex in Guin. Willie absolutely loved her family and treasured spending time with them, especially her grandchildren which she adored. She also enjoyed the laughter and fellowship of her friends and was known to love playing games on her phone. She was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, AL. Her tender and loving heart will forever be cherished and never forgotten.

Survived By:

Husband: William Nichols, Hamilton, AL

Daughters: Lorie Norris, Hamilton, AL

Jeannie Harper, Hamilton, AL

Sister: Francis Cantrell, Sulligent, AL

Grandchildren: Rebecca Norris

Great Grandchildren: Adalynn Pate and Remington Carpenter

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Lecil and Stella Stanford

Brothers: Flavus Stanford, William Thomas Stanford,

Guy Stanford and Willis Stanford

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing