Gilbert Athol Nichols

Gilbert Athol Nichols, 84, of Cabot, died Saturday, July 9 at his home. He was born on Dodd Mountain, outside Mountain View on Jan. 6, 1932 to Albert and Sudie Nichols. A man of many talents, he decided from an early age to devote himself to service of God. In preparation, he attended Ouachita Baptist University, graduating in 1953. Following his graduation, he married Mabel Deane (Deanie) Marshall of Cabot, and they departed from the wedding to go to Louisville, Ky. to attend Southern Seminary. During this time, he also pastored churches in Indiana. Following that, they returned to Arkansas, where he pastored the Baugh Chapel Baptist Church for two years, preparing for his dream of missionary work. In 1958, he and his growing family left for language study in San Jose, Costa Rica. In 1959, they arrived in Paraguay, where they served until their retirement in 1996. He was primarily involved in theological education and church planting. He also served as Director of Missions for the Ouachita Baptist Association, and following his retirement, as pastor of Wattensaw Baptist Church. Gilbert was a truly extraordinary man. He was a gifted carpenter whose furniture is still used in churches throughout Paraguay. He will be remembered for his wit, his compassion and his love for his family. Surviving him are his wife of 63 years, Deanie, of the home; four children: Becky (Jim) Smith of Atlanta, Ga., Amy Nichols (Larry Thompson) of Birmingham, Ala., Jon (Sharon) Nichols of Vilonia and Susy (Cal) Britton of North Little Rock; grandchildren: Kristin Smith (Alan Mardinly), Eric (Rose) Smith, Nick (Michelle) Runyan, Lola Runyan, Jon Dale Nichols, David Nichols and Sarah Prince. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2016 at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday at First Baptist Church Cabot in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.