Charles Steven "Big Nick" Nichols

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Charles Steven Nichols passed away on 01/18/2023 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at the age of 62. Known by many as "BigNick," Steve lived most of his life in the Marked Tree. After graduating from Marked Tree High School, he attended Arkansas State University, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Communications, Radio and Television, with an Emphasis in Production and Performance. After graduation Steve joined the US Navy in 1986.
After attending AZ "A" School in Meridian, MS and becoming an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman, his first overseas assignment in the Navy was with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, HS-12, working as the Log Book technician for SH-3H helicopters. HS-12 was based at Atsugi, Japan and deployed aboard the USS Midway. He really liked Japan. He said "I adapted to the Japanese people, rather than expect them to adapt to me. I became pretty fluent in the Japanese language. The Japanese people are very nice but can seem aloof toward Americans."
Steve then served with Strike Fighter Squadron 113, VFA-113, as the Maintenance/Material Control Center Supervisor in charge of the Aircraft and Engine log books for the F/A-18C and F404-GE-400 engines. VFA-113 was based at Lemoore, California and deployed aboard the USS Constellation and eventually, the USS Independence. Steve was aboard the Independence when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and set off Operation Desert Shield and the First Gulf War. The Independence was the first ship to arrive in the Gulf of Oman and first aircraft carrier to enter the Persian Gulf in support of Desert Shield.
After VFA-113 Steve was stationed at Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as "TopGun" in Miramar Naval Air Station, San Diego, CA. Steve was assigned as the Technical Publications Librarian, responsible for making sure aircraft technical publications for TopGun's F/A-18's, F-14's, F-16's and A-4 aircraft were accurate and up-to-date.
After spending 7 Years 7 Months and 7 days in the Navy he was Honorably Discharged and moved back to Marked Tree. While in the Navy, Steve always reflected on how fortunate he was to visit many countries like Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, Kenya, South Korea, Thailand and Guam. He always spoke of the Safari he took during a Port of Call in Mombasa, Kenya, staying at the lodge under Mount Kilimanjaro and viewing the animals in the wild. While in Japan one of his greatest adventures was climbing to the top of Mount Fuji.
Steve left the Navy and took a 5-year hiatus from military service. But, in 1999 he joined the Arkansas National Guard and the 1123d Transportation Company in Marked Tree as a dispatcher. Steve was with the 1123d when it was activated and deployed for the War on Terrorism in Iraq. He went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for training prior to deployment and went with the 1123rd to Kuwait, then to Camp Dogwood in Iraq. In July 2003, the 1123rd moved to Camp Sietz, just north of Baghdad International Airport. He worked as a dispatcher assigning trucks, drivers and assistants for all convoy operations.
Steve was med-evacked from Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany in August 2003 after complications with his heart. After arriving back in the states, he had surgery to repair tendons in his ankle that he tore during training in Fort Polk. The Army later medically retired him because of his ankle injury.
As a veteran Steve held the position of LVER (Local Veterans Employment Representative) and DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Program) with the Arkansas Employment Security Department in the Jonesboro office, a position he held when he was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom. Steve loved working as the veteran's representative of Northeast Arkansas. He felt a sense of satisfaction helping veterans find employment. Steve's last place of employment was with the Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock as a Computer Support Technician.
Steve was a former member of the American Legion Post #26 in Lepanto, AR, holding the office of Officer of the Foundation Board. He was also a Life Member of VFW and DAV.
Steve's hobbies were golf and computers. He always said one of his greatest accomplishments in life was becoming a "scratch golfer." After his surgery that rendered him paralyzed, he lost the ability to play his beloved game of golf. However, his Faith was strong and he often spoke how he would once again play golf, but on the beautiful courses in Heaven.
Steve was born to Charles Leamond and Jean (Bolin) Nichols on May 25, 1960 in Memphis, TN. He is preceded in death by his Father, Charles L. Steve is of the Baptist faith and a member of the Tyronza First Baptist church.
Survivors include his Mother Jean Nichols, Brother Keith Nichols, Nieces Stephanie Gibson (Joe) and Samantha Layne (Eric), Great Nephews Tyler Joshua Gibson and Greyson Kyle Layne and Great Niece Peyton Mackenzie Layne; and uncle Gary Bolin.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in Nichols Cemetery near Marked Tree with Joe Gibson, David Gibson, Eric Layne, Chris Nichols, Milton Wayne Harbison and Luke Lovins serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pall Bearers: The Delta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, The alumni of the ASU Marching Indians, Jackson Permenter, Elijah Permenter, Andrew Permenter, Ty Gibson and Steve Davis.
For lasting memorials, Steve asks that donations be made to any Homeless Veterans Organization, the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion or The Shriner's Hospital in St. Louis.