Roy Elza Nichols passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Mitchell's Nursing Home in Danville, Arkansas, at the age of 97, after a long, productive life.

He was born in nearby Onyx, Arkansas, on August 27, 1922, to Mary and Robert Nichols.  Roy moved with his mother to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1935, where--aside from a brief relocation to California--he resided until her passing in 1962.  He then returned to Onyx for six years until his father's death in 1969. At this point Roy moved into Mitchell's Nursing Home in Danville, where he resided until present.  For more than five decades the Mitchell family and their staff went above and beyond in caring for Roy. He cherished his countless friends who worked and lived there.

During his time in Hot Springs, in addition to some odd jobs - including one as a theater usher - Roy spent most of his time helping his mother with the family farm.  Roy found new ways to help and remain productive once he arrived at Mitchell's. He enjoyed assisting staff with working in the gardens, performing various chores, visiting the post office, and running other errands around town. He enjoyed keeping Danville clean, and he would often be seen collecting aluminum cans around town (which he eventually parlayed into the purchase of a red bike).  Roy took pride in being self-reliant and helpful to others.

Aside from bicycling, he enjoyed playing instruments (guitar and harmonica), watching television ("Walker Texas Ranger"), listening to the radio (including play by play of the local high school sports teams).  He also had a well-known affinity for suspenders (his signature look), bananas, and Sprite.  He adored his younger brother, J.D., as well as the rest of his family.  Roy was opinionated, but very loving.

Anywhere Roy went in or around Danville he would run into someone he knew.  The Yell County Record did a feature on Roy in 2010, highlighting his contributions to the community while emphasizing his bond with his long-time friend and caregiver Agnes Mitchell.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; and Maurine Mitchell and Agnes Mitchell of the Mitchell family, who were like family to Roy, and devoted themselves to caring for Roy's needs for so many years.  He is survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, J.D. and Virginia Nichols of Conway, Arkansas; niece and nephew-in-law, Vicki and Robert McCarron of Conway, Arkansas; nephew and niece-in-law, Keith and Wendy Nichols of Russellville, Arkansas; two great nieces; two great nephews; and four great great nephews.

A private funeral service was held Friday, August 14, 2:00 PM at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Roy was laid to rest next to his mother.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville. On line guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com