On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Gary Wayne Nicholson of Newport, 61, passed away at Jefferson County Memorial Hospital in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
He was born on April 19, 1962, in Newport, the youngest of three boys to the late James “Bezo” Nicholson and Emma Retta (Hanshaw) Nicholson. Gary graduated from Newport High School in 1980 where his classmates honored him with the title “Most Athletic.” While he represented the Greyhounds with pride in both basketball and football, it was on the diamond where Gary’s true passion ignited, revealing an innate talent for pitching. After high school, he signed with Ole Miss and pitched two seasons for the Rebels. Known to be a fierce competitor, Gary approached every batter with unshakeable confidence, always believing he would come away with the strikeout.
Following college Gary returned to his roots in Newport joining his dad and brothers working for Nicholson farms. He found solace in the great outdoors and enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting (especially quail), and gardening. Throughout his life, he always had a loyal, four-legged companion by his side. He was a gifted dog trainer and spent countless hours with his beloved bird dogs. But most of all, Gary loved his family and was especially close to his mother, whom he spoke to every day.
Though his adult life was marked by numerous struggles and challenges, Gary faced each storm with unwavering faith in God and leaned heavily into His Word for guidance, trusting that the Lord was by his side even during his darkest times.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bezo, aunts Betty Doty, Rosemary Fortenberry, Wilma Tiner, and an uncle, Kenneth Nicholson.
Gary is survived by his mother, Retta, two older brothers, Jimmy Don Nicholson and Samuel Stuckey Nicholson (wife Lynn), all of Newport, an uncle, Larry “Buckshot” Nicholson of Newport, aunts, Sammy Byford and Ann Norman, both of Searcy, nieces and nephews, Jimmy Don “Nick” Nicholson, Jr. (wife Andrea) of Tuckerman, Brett Nicholson (wife Nikki) of Newport, Kelly McKinney (husband Paul) of Newport, and numerous great nieces and nephews whose athletic endeavors he loved to keep track of.
A visitation will be held Friday from 9:30-11 at Jackson’s Funeral Home in Newport with funeral services immediately following.
Those serving as pallbearers are Nick Nicholson, Alex Nicholson, Brett Nicholson, Tyler Nicholson, Mark Nicholson, and Matt Nicholson.
