F.M. Nichols, Jr, 82 passed away Monday, March 25, 2024 in Hot Springs, Ark.
He was born Oct. 3, 1941, in Dierks, Ark., to Fletcher and Robbie Nichols. He grew up in Dierks, Ark., where he met his wife, Jane, of 59 years.
After graduation, he attended Henderson State University, where he was a member of the Reddie Football team. He and Jane settled in Hot Springs, in 1964 where they raised their children. He invested his time into the lives of many including his wife, his children, grandchildren, and greats. He was an employee of Dierks Lumber before it became Weyerhauser lumber for 41 years before retiring. Jr was a staple in the Hot Springs community where he left a lasting impact on generations.
Jr. was an avid sports enthusiast, spending 30 years refereeing football in his younger years, to watching football in the stands and walking the sidelines. He coached numerous girls and boys basketball teams, as well as baseball throughout his time. On Friday nights, you would find him travelling the state of Arkansas with his family to enjoy the best games that the state had to offer. You would likely catch him talking about the latest sports news or games with a stranger outside of the Oaklawn Racetrack where he proudly worked these last few years. His involvement in athletics spanned from Hot Springs, Russellville, Fayetteville, and beyond. He was honored with a room in his family’s name at the Bank of the Ozarks Arena for his work during years at the Arkansas State Basketball Championships. His legacy will continue to live throughout the lives that he touched in the state of Arkansas.
Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jean Blagg; brother-in-law, Stormy Blagg; nephew, Gary Wayne Blagg.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Jane Nichols; daughters, DeeDee King, and Cyndi (Chuck) Jordan; son Bryan Nichols, four grandchildren, Savannah Miller, Charlee (Brian) Adams, Abby (Dillan) Cambron, and Kennedy King; three great-grandchildren, Asher, Ella and JoJo.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Monday April 1 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Jr’s life will be at 11 a.m. Monday April 1 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
Pallbearers include Chuck Jordan, Brian Adams, Dillan Cambron, Kennedy King, Michael McCollum and Jeff Holt.
Honorary Pallbearers are Lance Porter, Jay Porter, Ron Moquett, Patrick Schueck, Pookie Jackson; his Oaklawn Family; Coaches he worked with and all the players he coached over the years.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the medical staff at National Park Medical Center and Quapaw Rehab.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Race Track Oaklawn Chaplaincy; City of Hot Springs Animal Services.
Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.
