Ricky Wayne Nation

Rick was born May 27th, 1956, in Corpus Christi, TX to N.B. and Pat Nation. He was raised in Paris, TX, alongside his younger brother Randy Dale. In his younger years, he was involved in multiple sports and band. He was a brilliant scholar, and that ability to retain and recall information carried with him throughout his life. He was always the man with all the answers. Rick attended college at Austin College in Sherman, TX where he received a business degree; however, he was destined for more. While visiting his PawPaw in the hospital, Rick spotted a Respiratory Therapy study book left behind from his brother, which he proceeded to read front to back before returning to school for another degree. During Rick’s journey as a CRT, he discovered and pursued a love and passion for Cardiac Sonography. He devoted the rest of his working life to leading, training, and giving to his patients and colleagues. Rick spent the final 3 decades of his notable career with Arkansas Heart Hospital as an established and well-respected Cardiac Sonographer, where he was heavily involved in the hospital’s cardiovascular teams and clinical procedures.

On March 24, 1984, Rick married the love of his life, Jan Marie. He immediately launched into his familial career as a girl dad with his daughters Amanda and Laura. He received years of training with ponytails, dresses, and dolls before ‘the baby’, Sarah, (who he lovingly referred to as his mini) was born. He took pride in dedicating his life to being a doting, supportive, and devoted husband and father, and they took equal pride in being his girls. Rick loved them fiercely and will continue to be adorned as their fearless protector and leader.

Rick found so much enjoyment cheering his girls on along the sidelines during Bryant athletics. Along the way, Rick fell in love with the hobby of sports photography. He perfected this craft and became a loved and respected photographer for parents and local journalists alike. This hobby grew into an award-winning passion, with pieces of his galleries winning First Place recognition by both the Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors and the Saline Courier. After a nomination for the prestigious Sports Shooter Association, he was awarded and recognized as a member of the sports shooter community. His photography talents continue to be admired as they remain displayed throughout the halls of the Bryant Hornet Football field house; he took great pride in these achievements. He also enjoyed his time as a Certified Barbeque Judge (CBJ) with the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Other activities Rick enjoyed included metal detecting (‘dirt digging’, treasure hunting’), a previous hobby of hunting Quail with his bird dogs, visiting live music venues (especially Blues), traveling to his second home in Cancun, and spending time with his grandbabies. Of note, after years of being surrounded by daughters and granddaughters, he was thrilled to be the ‘Pop Pop’ of a grandson to share his love of sports and outdoors alongside (added bonus of learning about Monster Trucks).

Rick was known for being a man of faith; he lived by the Word and reminded others how to do the same. He was generous, selfless, insightful, and perceptive. He was a teacher in all facets of life and those who had the privilege of knowing him were blessed. He is remembered for his wittiness, his never-ending humor, and his unmatched intellect. Rick’s girls were so blessed to have him, and whole-heartedly believe his love, wisdom, and strength have shaped their lives. They will continue to strive to honor him by living with the same kindness and integrity that defined his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, N.B. Nation; his niece, Madison Hope Nation; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and his uncle, Jerry Wayne Pennington.

He is survived by his soulmate, Jan Marie Nation; daughters Amanda Jones (Zeke) of Benton, Laura Archer of Redfield, and Sarah Cantrell (Raylen) of Benton; his mother Pat Nation of Paris, Texas; a brother, Randy Nation of Paris, Texas; 6 granddaughters: Payton, Addison, Emily, Claire, Amery; a grandson, Jackson Ray; and many close friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. He will be unbelievably missed.

The family would also like to extend gratitude to all the nurses, radiologists, and physicians at Baptist Health-Little Rock and CARTI who cared for not only him, but his girls. They are so thankful and appreciative for their knowledge, compassionate care, kindness, and commitment to exceptional service to their patients and families. A special thank you to Dr. Cidney Hulett for his skilled care and unwavering patient advocacy, and Dr. Rhonda Gentry for her uplifting support, loving touch, and hugs and kisses along his journey. To the staff at 10A Oncology Unit at Baptist—you all made the unbearable survivable, especially nurse Sophie. Her elegant humming, radiant light, knowledge, and her tender care will be forever remembered and appreciated—his girls needed her, and she was a blessing.

Services will be held Tuesday June 30, 2026 at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park located at 7401 Highway 5 N., Alexander, AR 72002. Visitation will be at 10am, service held at 11am, and graveside burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the CARTI Foundation in his name, in accordance with his wishes.