of Russellville, AR

October 8, 1918 - July 13, 2009

Wallace Edwin ''Nick'' Nickels, age 90, of Russellville, Arkansas, died Monday, July 13, 2009, at Legacy Lodge Nursing Home in Russellville. He was born October 8, 1918, in Sweet Home, Arkansas, the son of Harry and Lily (Thomas) Nickels. Mr. Nickels was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of sixty one years, Virginia (Kirby) Nickels; and his brother, Woodrow Nickels, of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

Wallace and his family were members of the First Christian Church in Harrison for many years where he served as a Deacon. After graduation from North Little Rock High School, Wallace enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. His education was interrupted when he joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and
served on active duty until being discharged in 1945. He served in the Air Force Reserve until 1956 when he accepted a promotion to Captain in the National Guard. Wallace continued to serve in the Guard and Army Reserves until he retired in 1978 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon completion of active duty, he returned to school at the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1946 with a B. S. degree in Agriculture and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. After graduation, he moved to Harrison where he instructed veterans in agriculture.

Wallace owned and operated Nickels Feed and Farm Supply from 1953 until the business was destroyed in the flood of 1961. After the flood, he took a position as Farm Representative with the Security Bank in 1962 where he continued to advance until he retired as Senior Vice President and Farm Representative. During his time with the bank, Wallace took on civic responsibilities as treasurer for the Northwest Arkansas District Fair Association and also served on the Harrison Parks Commission for ten years.

Wallace was an active member of the Harrison Kiwanis Club where he served as president. After the passing of his wife in April, 2009, he moved to Russellville to be near his family.

Wallace ''Nick'' Nickels is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Patti Nickels, of Russellville; his daughters and son-in-law, Penny Ferrell of Austin, Texas and Ginny and Eric Hircock of Blanco, New Mexico; his sister, Ozell Purtle, of Sweet Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Christy North of Overland Park, Kansas, Shannon Selman of Kona, Hawaii, Sean Ferrell of Austin, Texas and Kathryn Harris of Glenwood, Arkansas; four great-grandchildren, Jadon and Asher North of Overland Park and Chloe and Conner Selman of Kona, Hawaii; several cousins, nephews, nieces and other family and friends, all of whom who will dearly miss him.

Dr. David Artman officiated the funeral service.

Pallbearers were Eric Hircock, Jason North, Harper Black, John Phillips, Wayne Wilson and Jadon North.

Honorary pallbearers were the Harrison Kiwanis Club members, Mike McCoy, and Beverly Kirby.

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