Hal Edward Nichols

Hal Edward Nichols left this life peacefully at home on May 11, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred Nichols and his sister, Charlye Nichols. Hal was born in Tunica, Mississippi on November 5, 1926. His family moved to Helena, Arkansas when he was six years old. He grew up in Helena and graduated from Helena High School. Immediately after high school he entered the military and served with the United States Army in the Italian Theater. After the war he enrolled in the University of Mississippi and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Upon graduation he returned to Helena, Arkansas and entered the International Harvester farm equipment business with his father. In 1957 he married the love of his life, Tene Wolfe. After his fathers death he sold the implement business and began selling real estate. Hal was active in many civic and fraternal groups in Helena including serving as president of the Kiwanis Club, President of Farm and Land Brokers. In addition he served on the boards of the Methodist Church, The Helena Terminal and Maple Hill Cemetery. After he retired from the real estate business he moved to Little Rock where he continued his public service by serving on the Pulaski County Election Commission. Hal also volunteered at numerous Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission events; assisting at the Southern Association of Workers Compensation Administrators conference with the exhibits. Hal is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tene Wolfe Nichols, cousins Ann and Dane Clay, niece, Cathy Bradshaw (Jerry) of Wynne, nephews Ernie Cline ( Karen) of Little Rock, Chuck Cline (Jane) of Baton Rouge, La.; great-nieces, Helen Halbert (Chuck), Jordan Cline, Caroline Cline, Elizabeth Cline, Callie Cline and great-nephews Chris Gibson (Page) and Trey Cline (Mary Ann). In addition there are numerous great-great-nieces and nephews who loved their uncle Hal. The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their care and support especially the nurses Marcia Zamora, Jennifer Dunlap, Linda Dziga, and Elizabeth Houston. Special thanks go out to Amanda Ward . They would also like to thank Dr. Joseph Beck and his staff for their wonderful care. Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Research Hospital, Memphis Tennessee and the First Methodist Church of Helena, Arkansas. A memorial service held in Helena, Arkansas will be announced by Ruebel Funeral Home on their Website at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com or by their phone (501-666-0123).