of Little Rock, AR

November 5, 1932 - November 29, 2018

Dr. D. Jack Nicholas, age 86 of Little Rock, AR, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 29, 2018 following a long illness. He was born to Oran and Lorene (Pillow) Nicholas at Pollard, AR on November 5, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gloria Faye Nicholas Yount. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Martha Ann Williams Nicholas; two brothers-in-law, Jim Williams (Pam) of Little Rock, and Steve Williams (Melanie) of Cumming, GA and their families; two aunts, Barbara Mooney (Bob) of Juno Beach, FL and Shirley Whaley (Chartee) of Piggott, AR; one uncle, Tom Pillow of Port Richie, FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jack graduated from Piggott, AR High School in 1950, Williams Baptist University in 1953, Arkansas State University in 1958, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1961 and the University of North Texas in 1962 and 1965 with Masters and Doctorate degrees in Psychology. He was an ordained Southern Baptist minister serving churches throughout his adult life in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and California. He was also a licensed psychologist, college professor and administrator. He taught psychology at California Baptist University and Williams Baptist University. While working at Williams Baptist University for 30 years (1966-1996) he taught psychology, was Executive Vice-President, Dean of Students, and Chancellor for 12 years and was President of the college for 18 years. Jack served in these capacities with integrity and distinction. The college advanced in many ways under his leadership. One of the most significant advancements was to become a four-year senior college during his presidency. Jack served as president of Williams Baptist University at a critical time in the history of the institution and faced tremendous challenges. With God's help Jack successfully achieved goals that moved the college forward on a path to become a stronger, stable and viable institution of Christian higher education.

Jack's primary focus throughout his life was to do God's will. He received Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 11 and was ordained to preach the gospel at age 20. God blessed Jack in his service to Him. He was very effective in his leadership in the churches he served as pastor, interim pastor and guest minister for over 50 years. He was very successful at every responsibility he undertook and was respected and appreciated by those he served.

Upon retirement Jack continued to serve in Christian work until declining health prevented doing so. He served in retirement as an interim pastor, interim director of missions, pulpit supply preaching in various churches and volunteer mission work in Arkansas and in Israel.

In 1954 Jack married Martha Ann Williams and is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years. Jack and Martha worked together as a team to do the work God called them to do from the time they began dating and throughout their marriage. They also had many adventures together throughout their marriage during their extensive travels throughout the United States and several foreign countries. Some of their travels were in their own plane in which Jack was an accomplished private pilot and some were with their recreational vehicles.

Jack served as a minister, college president, college professor and Christian psychologist with commitment, dedication, integrity and resourcefulness touching many lives in a very positive way. At the time of his death he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2018 Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford, Little Rock, AR. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family entombment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williams Baptist University, Institutional Advancement Office, Box 3736, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476-9911.

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