William Francis Nickle, 75, of North East, MD, passed unexpectedly in a farm accident on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Born in Lancaster, PA, on October 3, 1947, he was the youngest child of the late David and Grace Riley Nickle.

Bill grew up in Rising Sun, MD, and at the age of 18, joined the U.S. Army. He completed a tour in Vietnam from February 1967-February 1968. Private Nickle was honorably discharged in September 1972.

Bill loved animals and referred to them as his "critters", with his favorite being cows and calves. For many years he owned and operated Bill's Cattle Hauling and was affectionately known as "Cowboy". Bill worked with many farmers throughout the county and was well known and loved. His greatest pride and joy was his little farm he owned for over 30 years in North East, MD, where he raised calves.

Survivors include his sister, Ruth Nickle Cameron, Havre de Grace, MD; brother, Barry Nickle, Wilmington, DE; sister-in-law, Anna Nickle, Millville, NJ; 16 nieces and nephews and their spouses; many great-nieces and great-nephews and their spouses and children; as well as many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jacqui England and Grace "Polly" Schoff.

Funeral service with military honors will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 West Stockton Street, Elkton, MD, where visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Rose Bank Cemetery, Rising Sun, MD.