Jack Adams Nowlin, Jr.

JACK ADAMS NOWLIN, JR., age 76, was born in Arkadelphia, Ark. on Oct. 15, 1938, and died at St. Vincent Infirmary on Aug. 22, 2015. He was the son of the late Jack Adams Nowlin, Sr. and Sara Warner Norton Nowlin. He is preceded in death by his stepmother, Zela Pearson Nowlin of Arkadelphia and a stepson, Charles "Chas" Williamson, of Little Rock and Dallas, Texas. A Class of 1956 graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Jack is remembered as a popular, young man active in sports and captain of the football team. He attended Ouachita Baptist College for one year and then the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville where he was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity member. He graduated with a BA degree in 1960 and a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve (2nd Lieutenant, pilot). Jack entered active duty and was posted for training in the Primary Fixed Wing and Helicopter schools. He served in Fort Riley, Kan. as a transportation officer and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Soon after, Jack began a career as an investment advisor in Little Rock and Memphis; specializing in commodity brokerage, a field he pursued until retirement. As the countless friends of "Black Jack" would attest, he was an ageless boy who always lifted the mood of those near, regardless of the occasion. Adored by his family and friends, Jack lived an exceptionally full life. He was slow to criticize, condemn, or complain and was unassuming and nonjudgmental. Jack was comfortable in any setting, a man's man and a pleasure to be with in a lodge, in the field, on the links, in an office or home. Jack admired nice things, especially fast boats and flashy cars. Sincere and loyal, he was the best friend those who knew and loved him will ever have. Jack is survived by his loving daughter, Andria Beckham (Rod); grandchildren, Sarah and Jack Beckham, all of Little Rock; brother, Larry Pearson Nowlin and wife, Cindy Hickman Nowlin of Arkadelphia; a caring former wife of 25 years, Barbara Williamson Nowlin Rhodes of Little Rock; stepdaughter, Anne Williamson David (Joe) and their children, Jack and Caroline David of Denver, Colo. The family thanks the caring staff of Presbyterian Village and Arkansas Hospice. Memorials in Jack's memory may be made to Presbyterian Village Foundation, 510 North Brookside Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205; Lewybody Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilbum, GA 30047; or a charity of choice. A private family inurnment will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. A celebration of Jack's remarkable life will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.