David Lee Nichols, 69, of Fort Smith, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020. He was born on August 8, 1951 in Oklahoma City to Norval (Nick) and Charlotte Nichols. As a young man coming of age in Michigan, he served with distinction in the Army Reserve, and attended classes at University of Michigan. David worked in the computer and communications industry his entire career, most recently as the former director at Sea Tel Inc., Asia-Pacific division. After he retired, he became President of the Fort Smith Rose Society and board member for The Learning Fields. He also attended First United Methodist Church. Among his many interests, David loved to garden, play guitar, travel to new and distant places and he had a strong passion for animals and classic rock. He was beloved by all of his family, neighbors, and friends, always smiling and lending a helping hand with generosity and kindness.
There will be a privately held Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary in Fort Smith.
David is survived by two daughters, Christie Heike and her husband James, of Rochester Hills, MI and Katherine Nichols of San Francisco, CA; a sister, Cheryl Nichols of Plano, TX; a brother, James Nichols of Santa Rosa, CA; an aunt, Donna Sue Phillips of Macon, GA and a grandson, William Chet Heike. He is also survived by his beloved Siberian husky, Sky.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Smith Rose Society, 2408 Brigadoon, Fort Smith, AR 72908 or Kitties and Kanines, 4300 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.