Welcome to the memorial page for
William Bill "Stix" Nicks
December 8, 1934 ~ November 15, 2017 (age 82) 82 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from bryan barber
November 26, 2017 7:36 PM
thank you for the music . x
bryan U.K.
bryan U.K.
Message from Steve Harrison and Family
November 24, 2017 4:45 PM
The Harrison family in Dowagiac had the unique personal pleasure of meeting Mr. Nicks and befriending him over the years as he played in our small town. His kindness, gentleness and so caring and concerning of every single one of us.
His memory was as sharp as a tack and and he never missed a beat, he was the most genuine man. His musical expertise was what brought down the house, but his kindness and compassion was the light everyone first noticed when he walked in the door.
He will be forever missed, but am more blessed for having him touch our lives and get our toes a'tapping.
We love you, thank you for embracing us, and we will forever miss you.
His memory was as sharp as a tack and and he never missed a beat, he was the most genuine man. His musical expertise was what brought down the house, but his kindness and compassion was the light everyone first noticed when he walked in the door.
He will be forever missed, but am more blessed for having him touch our lives and get our toes a'tapping.
We love you, thank you for embracing us, and we will forever miss you.
Message from Bernice Freeman
November 23, 2017 5:15 PM
I remember Bill "Stix" Nicks from the time I was 15 years old. He was a very gentle soul always had a smile for you. You have my sincere sympathy. Bernice Freeman
Message from Darlene K Macon-clifton
November 21, 2017 2:16 PM
Billy Stix Nicks was a good person inside and outside.
Always had a beautiful smile on his face.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
God Bless each of you and keep you at this difficult time.
Always had a beautiful smile on his face.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
God Bless each of you and keep you at this difficult time.
Message from Jim Miller
November 21, 2017 10:35 AM
A friend and I drove about 20 miles each way to take lessons from Bill when we were in high school in the 1970s. His studio was on Western Avenue, near the Sears store.
I really appreciated learning from someone of Bill's stature -- who had been there and done that. It was inspiring to watch and hear him play, and his kind heart and compassion came shining through each and every time I was with him.
My wife and I have attended several of his Motown Machine performances over the last few years and I got to reconnect with him. What a lovely human being. I'm so grateful to have known him.
I really appreciated learning from someone of Bill's stature -- who had been there and done that. It was inspiring to watch and hear him play, and his kind heart and compassion came shining through each and every time I was with him.
My wife and I have attended several of his Motown Machine performances over the last few years and I got to reconnect with him. What a lovely human being. I'm so grateful to have known him.
Message from Jon "JT" Thompson
November 20, 2017 6:42 PM
I had emcee'd a number of events through the years where Billy was playing with his group. He always had a welcoming smile and gave you the feeling that he was genuinely glad to see you. We often shared a joke or two along the way.
Sadness, yes, but wonderful memories as well of a truly fine man.
Sincerely, "JT" (Jon Thompson, WSBT Radio)
Sadness, yes, but wonderful memories as well of a truly fine man.
Sincerely, "JT" (Jon Thompson, WSBT Radio)
Message from steven bognar
November 20, 2017 5:58 PM
This was an amazing man. His musical talent is unmatched by an one person alive today. I will really miss him.
Message from Gig Young
November 20, 2017 3:24 PM
I believe I was Billy's first drum student back around 1965 when I was in grade school. He was a great teacher and would even come over to our house to give lessons. Over the years I would occasionally run into him and he always greeted me with a big smile and he would remember me. A great man and gentleman. South Bend has lost a local legend. He will be missed by all. Gig Young
Message from Eddie Wray
November 20, 2017 1:52 PM
I met my long time friend Billy Nix in about 1956 or 1957. Along with Fred Patton, Willie West, Junior Walker, Billy played most every Sunday afternoon at Billy Locks Youth Center. At the time Billy Locks was the Sheriff in St. Joseph County and he sponsored the dances for teenagers in a building located in "Dog Patch", near Notre Dame. As I recall Junior didn't read music but he had an "ear" for sounds and when Bill Doggett was popular with Honkey Tonk, Junior had it down shortly thereafter. Billy later taught my son Drums and I must say, Billy "Stix" Nix was as fine a human being as I have ever known in my 78 years on this planet. My prayers go out for him, and I thank and praise him for all the music moments he provided me during my lifetime. RIP Billy, You're The Man. Eddie Wray
Message from Edward (Sparky) and Cynthia Sparks
November 19, 2017 8:53 PM
We are so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Edward and Cynthia Sparks.
Message from Beth and Ken Riches
November 19, 2017 6:59 PM
It was our pleasure to hear Mr. Nicks play a few times and to get a chance to chat with him. He was incredibly kind and a total gentleman. He was a South Bend gem and he will be missed by all.
Safe travels, kind sir. Our condolences to all who loved him.
Safe travels, kind sir. Our condolences to all who loved him.
Message from Roberta (Robbie) Dunn
November 19, 2017 10:24 AM
I have been a fan of Billy's for a very long time. He was truly the nicest, kindest, most humble human being I have ever met. Those who know him from his music will miss him terribly, unlike you, who know him as your family member. My heart goes out to each of you for your loss. Just know that there are hundreds of people in the community that will miss him as well. May all of us console each other's grief knowing how much he is loved and that there is dancing in the streets of Heaven with "Stix" on the drums leading the show!
Message from Dana (welling) Derrickson
November 18, 2017 2:58 PM
Ben and all family, I had the pleasure of meeting Billy at my grandfathers (Rev Robert Derrickson) church, Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church during an Anniversary several years ago. It was an honor. I know several members of the Derrickson family knew Billy. Please accept my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Message from Artina
November 16, 2017 11:39 PM
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear love one. May Jehovah the God of tender mercy and comfort strengthen you during this time of sorrow - 2 Corinthians 1:3, it is his promise that you will see your love one again, John 5:28, 29.
For more comforting information please go to jw.org. Sincerely, Artina
For more comforting information please go to jw.org. Sincerely, Artina
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