William Wayne Nichols

William Wayne Nichols, 76, of Marked Tree passed away May 6, 2013. Wayne Nichols was born April 26, 1937, to J.S. and Evie Nichols in Pocahontas, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Hershel, Herbert, Delbert, L.W.; and his sister Eva Steele. Wayne was employed by E. Ritter and Company for 43 years. He served as a Representative in the Arkansas Legislature from 1999 to 2006, Commissioner on the Arkansas Rural Services, Poinsett County Election Commissioner, and the current mayor of Marked Tree. He was a member of the American Legion and active in the Marked Tree Church of God. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail Cline Nichols; niece-daughter Hadley Cline Stack; a granddaughter Parker Stack; niece and care-giver Cindy Tucker; sister-in-law Katherine Cline; sister-and brother-in-laws Kay and Dean Tucker, Gloria and Harry East, Connie Cline and Harry Cline; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family appreciates Dr. Lee Cranfill and staff, physicians and nurses at Clopton Clinic and St. Bernards Medical Center and Hospice. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the Marked Tree Church of God. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at the Marked Tree Church of God with Rev. Patrick Tucker and Rev. David Fields officiating. Burial will follow in the Nichols Cemetery with Murphy Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers are Matt Grey, Michael East, Zack Tucker, Matt Wright, Chris Nichols, and Mike Mular. Memorials may be made to Nichols Cemetery Fund, 402 Poinsett St., Marked Tree, Ark. 72365 or Marked Tree Church of God, 114 Allyn St., Marked Tree, Ark.72365.