Bennie Nichols

Bennie Nichols was born Nov. 14, 1924, in Desoto County, Miss., to son of Sullivan and Rosetta Nichols.

He accepted Christ in 1954 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Simpson. He later united with Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend P.J. James.

Mr. Nichols learned the plumbing trade from Simon Bland. After the death of Mr. Bland, Mr. Nichols founded Nichols Heating and Plumbing in 1948. When the State of Arkansas began requiring licensure for plumbing, Mr. Nichols was the first master plumber in the City of Blytheville. He served as a member of the Blytheville Area Plumbing Association and was active throughout the community.

Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, three brothers, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Blanche and Clevest Joe Ashley; two sons, Cleve Bennie Nichols and Billy Wander Nichols; grandson, Daniel J. Nichols, and granddaughter, Shawnetta Brown-Nash.

Mr. Nichols passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at his home at the age of 95.

Mr. Nichols leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife Sarah Nichols of the home; four sons, Charles and Sharon Nichols of Oklahoma City, Oklah., Joe and Rose Nichols of Blytheville; Brian and Venita Nichols of Blytheville, and Ricky and Irene Nichols also of Blytheville; three daughters, Blanche and Marcus Cannon of Marion, Ind.; Teretha Brown of Fort Worth, Texas; Angela and Charles Creggett of Lonoke; one daughter-in-law, Betty Nichols of Blytheville; 25 grandchildren, a host of great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A special “thank you” to his caregivers, Finda Robinson, Brittany Mictchll and registered nurse Katryse McDonald.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 14, from 10-11:55 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 809 East Main Street, Blytheville.

Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Rickey Everett will deliver the eulogy with burial at the Veterans Cemetery.

In accordance with the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, the practice of social distancing of 6-feet will be observed. Face masks are REQUIRED to be worn by all family and friends attending the walk-through visitation and the funeral service.

Millington Funeral Home, 7738 Church Street, Millington, Tenn., is in charge of services and arrangements.