Mike Nail

Edwin Michael "Mike" Nail, age 80, of Fayetteville passed away Saturday November 8, 2025. He passed at home peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born February 12, 1945.
Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Nail; two daughters; Elsa Nail of Fayetteville and Michelle Kehn and her husband Doug of Trenton, Texas; two grandchildren, John Michael Kehn and Aubrey Kehn. One brother Rusty Nail and sister Beth Nail. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Nail.
For 29 years, Mike served as the Voice of Arkansas Razorback Basketball, calling over 900 games, including Arkansas' 1994 National Championship game. In addition, he worked as a sports broadcaster and writer, serving broadcast areas in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Central Arkansas, Joplin and Oklahoma City. In 2022, Mike was inducted into the Arkansas Sportswriters and Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He also proudly served in the U.S. Navy.
He was honored to be part of the Razorback family and took great pride bringing the excitement of the game to fans wherever they were listening.
The 1994 championship season was a memorable one, marked by a call for which he will always be remembered. Yet, in his eyes, every team he worked with was a champion.
He was deeply grateful to Coach Broyles for entrusting him with the responsibility of play-by-play. While he always looked forward to the future, he never failed to honor and respect the Razorback traditions and legacy of the past.
Mike enjoyed the outdoors. An avid fisherman, his favorite fishing spots included Beaver Lake, the Florida Keys, and Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Mike "donated" several anchors, props and lures to the Green Bay waters off the shores of Fish Creek before investing in a depth finder.
A perfect day for Mike began with an early morning, preparing his boat, poles and gear before heading out on the water. He could spend hours fishing, content and at peace, catching the day's meal that he would later clean and cook himself. When dinner was served, he was always the last to fill his plate. He took pride from watching his family and friends enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
A little closer to home, you might have found Mike reading John Grisham and James Patterson novels, feeding his backyard birds, playing golf, or working on a jigsaw puzzle. Mike especially enjoyed watching his grandkids grow up and spending time with family at the lake house on Beaver Lake. In years when the Arkansas spirit squad Christmas party was held at Mike and Jean's house, Mike made sure that Santa dropped in at the party. They say Santa sounded a lot like Mike.
In his retirement speech, he stood center court at Bud Walton Arena and thanked coaches, players and especially the fans-those at home and those in seats. It was a moment that captured everything he was about: gratitude, humility, and the love for the game and the people who shared it with him. He gave his heart to Arkansas, for generations of fans who will never forget his passion and pride. Now, he's watching from above with the best seat in the house.
Visitation will be 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday November 23rd at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, Florida at https://drc.givecloud.co/general-donation
Or a charity of one's choice
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com