Nicky Alan Stutts

Friday, April 8, 2016
Nicky Stutts

Nicky Alan Stutts, 68, of Manila, passed from this life Monday, April 4, 2016, at the South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center in Osceola. Born in Manila he was the son of the late Willis and Wanda Lee King Stutts and was a lifelong resident of the Lost Cane Community. A 1966 graduate of Manila High School he attended Arkansas State University and later joined the United States Navy, proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He went through basic training in San Diego, Calif., was later stationed at Guantanamo Bay and served aboard the USS Chukawon, a Cimarron-class fleet oiler. He was a certified electrical technician and instructor and was given a top secret clearance.

Following his military service he returned to Manila where he spent his life and raised his family on the Stutts family farm. Nicky and his family were named Arkansas Farm Family of the year in 1976. He was a longtime member of the Little River Baptist Church. Nicky's only hobby in life was the time spent and the enjoyment he shared with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and any and all family gatherings.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Estes Craig.

Nick is survived by his loving wife, Jerri Craig Stutts of the home; a son, Jared Stutts of Jonesboro; three daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Jerry Rapert of Jonesboro, Jennifer and Rodney Jackson of Lake City, Mandy and Patrick Mahan of Cabot; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Lisa Stutts of Gamaliel; eight grandchildren, Kourtnei Jackson Qualls, Chase Jackson, Abby, Jeb and Jude Rapert, Taylor Mahan, and Libby and Spencer Stutts; two great-grandchildren, Ella Ruth Qualls and Preslee Kate Qualls; mother-in-law, Bonnie Craig; and his brothers-in-law and their wives, Carl and Carla Craig, and Joe and Sherry Craig. Nicky also leaves his nieces and nephews, Gavin, Ashley, Grayson and Everly Stutts, Sarah, Richard, Bella, and Jake Bowden, Caylie, Kelsey, Caleb, Karilynn, Caitryn, Claire, Matt and Jake Craig.

Funeral service was 3 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with speakers including Randy Veach, John Shadowens, childhood friend Tommy Nuckols, brother-in-law Joe Craig, and grandson Jeb Rapert. Music for the service was performed by grandson Chase Jackson and niece Sarah Stutts Bowden.

The family received visitors from 1 p.m. until service time Thursday. Burial with military honors followed in the Cardwell Cemetery.

Active pallbearers included grandsons, Chase Jackson, Jeb Rapert and Jude Rapert, nephews, Gavin Stutts, Jake Craig, Richard Bowden, and friends, Brandon Veach and Jeff Costner. Honorary pallbearers included Tony Costner, Chad Costner, James Bourland, Dennis Veach, Gerald Bebout, Billy Ashcraft, Terry Cresap, Ronnie Perry, Freddie Bourland, Larry Bourland, Tommy Nuckols, Randy Veach, Ken Boling, Doyle Morgan, Joe Craig, Carl Craig, Jack Lewis, Bobby Lewis, Mike Saloman, Jr. Saloman, Jesus Garcia, Robbie Veach, Rob Veach, Tommy Veach, Steve Baugher, Jimmy Baugher,Jason Stutts and Justin Stutts.

The family prefers any memorials be made to St. Judes Children's Research or the Cardwell Cemetery.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com