Thurman "Cotton" Nichols of Van Buren, AR has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
A life of service shapes more than the one who serves.
Thurman "Cotton" Nichols, age 82, of Van Buren, Arkansas, Passed away May 1, 2026 at the Fianna Hills Rehab and Nursing Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Cotton was born on December 5, 1943 to the late Pauline (Goolsby) and Charlie Nichols.
Cotton was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. He carried great pride in his service, especially in the time he spent serving alongside his beloved brother, Tommy Nichols.
Following his military service, Cotton dedicated many years of hard work as a dump truck driver for Pittsburg County Districts 1, 2, and 3 in McAlester, Oklahoma, before retiring. In his free time, he found joy in playing the guitar and singing, sharing his love of music with those around him.
He is preceded in passing by his Mother and Father, Pauline and Charlie Nichols; Step-Mother, Mildred Nichols; Wife, Martha Joanne "Jody" Nichols; brothers, Tommy and Shurman "Red" Nichols (his twin); and his sister, Patsy Vines.
He is survived by two sons' Jerry Lee Nichols of Clinton Oklahoma and Lee Don "ToJo" Nichols of Van Buren, Arkansas ; four grandchildren, Lee, Christian, Bella and Noah, all of Van Buren, Arkansas, four nieces and six nephews, several cousins and many dear friends including Pam and Pat, who were also twins and his nurses through the VA for many years. These ladies were near and dear to Cotton and he considered them part of his extended family.
A graveside service will be held in Cotton's honor at 10:00a.m. at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, on Friday April 8, 2026 with Pastor Bobby Clark to officiate. Serving as Pallbearers will be Jerry Lee Nichols, Lee Don "Tojo" Nichols, Jerry DeWitt, Cody DeWitt, Rick Sims, Butch Sims, with honorary pallbearers, Edwin Creekmore and Trenton Cole.
In Lieu of flowers, The family asks that you make a donation to the Buddy Smith Home For Veterans.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thurman "Cotton" Nichols, please visit our floral store.
