When Your 100th Birthday is on Cinco de Mayo
This is the 100th year that Preston Hollow resident Bill Nickell has seen his birthday coincide with Cinco de Mayo — a celebration that’s even older than Bill, with 163 observances since 1862! While Bill’s 100th birthday party will not focus on the holiday, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of victory despite the odds & that’s certainly something Bill can identify with as he turns 100.
Bill was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 5, 1925 – the same day the landmark Scopes Monkey Trial began regarding the teaching evolution in public schools. Bill went on to enlist in the Army Air Corps flight cadet program at age 18 and became a commissioned Flight Officer in March 1945. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1968 and was an airline pilot for 36 years at Braniff International Global International Airways, Tower Air and a pilot instructor at American Airlines Flight Academy. Bill was married to his high school sweetheart Doris for 63 years before she passed in 2008, and they had 3 children together. With 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, Bill’s secrets to long life include a love of snow skiing, playing golf, traveling and visiting with family.
NewsRadio 1080 KRLD came out to celebrate. https://www.audacy.com/krld/news/local/north-texan-celebrates-his-100th-cinco-de-mayo
