Obituaries

Lawrence Dale Nicholson

Photo of Lawrence Dale Nicholson
Today we celebrate the life of Lawrence Dale Nicholson Sr. He was born in Warren, Arkansas, on January 8, 1939 to the late Rachel and Cecil Nicholson. Growing up, the family didn't have a lot of money but his house was full of love. He started his broadcast career at the age of 14, when he was hired to be the "sign-off" guy at KWRF in Warren, Arkansas. Dale enjoyed growing up in Warren, and after high school he enrolled at Henderson State University. While in college, Dale met the love of his life, Pat Outlaw, and they soon married and began their great journey in life. Dale loved the broadcast business and soon was hired as a disc jockey at WPLO Radio in Atlanta, Georgia. You could take the kids out of Arkansas but you couldn't take Arkansas out of the kids. So they returned to Little Rock, where Dale took a job with KJI Radio. By this time, there was a new technology on the horizon called television. Dale left Little Rock and went to KTVE in El Dorado to start his illustrious television career. In 1962, he began his great run at KATV, which he loved dearly, and continued to work there until the time of his death. Dale and Pat had two children, Lawrence Dale (Nick) Nicholson Jr. and Kelli Nicholson Miller. Family was a very important part of his life. He took an active interest in everything they did. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Traveling was one of Dale's great passions. He and Pat were fortunate to travel the world together. From Italy to China, the plains of Africa to Hong Kong, and many other destinations, this couple from a small town felt blessed to have seen so much of the world. While he loved to travel, he always loved to come home to Arkansas, and felt a deep commitment to his community. Dale was honored to serve on many boards; including the Executive Committee of the Downtown Partnership and The Metro-Center Commission for Downtown Little Rock. He served on the boards of American Heart Association (Arkansas Chapter), Arkansas Repertory Theatre, National Conference for Community and Justice, Boy Scouts of Americas, Children's Museum of Arkansas and Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. Dale was equally passionate about his profession, having served on The ABC Affiliate Board and on ABC's Board of Governors. Under his leadership, KATV Channel 7 news won 19 regional Emmys, 18 regional Edward R. Murrow awards, 4 National Murrow Awards, including Best Overall Excellence in 2004 and 2005. Recently, he received the coveted Emmy Gold Circle Award for 50 years in the television industry. Dale was preceded in death by wife, Pat, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Kelli Miller and her husband Charles Miller; his son Nick Nicholson, and his wife Sophie Nicholson; granddaughters Cameryn Miller and Meredith Miller; grandsons Davis Nicholson, Winston Nicholson, and his wife Corinna Nicholson, Dale Nicholson III, and his wife Cassie Nicholson; great-grandchildren Natalee Nicholson and Lawrence Dale Nicholson IV; cousin Nancy Vittitow; special friend Laura Story, and countless friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Dale's life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2013 at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. A Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to National Kidney Foundation, 1818 N. Taylor Street, Suite 186, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 or The American Heart Association, 902 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published June 5, 2013

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