Obituaries

Harley Jack Nichols

Photo of Harley Jack Nichols
Harley Jack Nichols, 93, passed away at his home in San Jose, Calif. on March 16, 2017, surrounded by his family. Harley was born in Hiwasse, Ark. on Feb. 8, 1924, to Thomas Andrew Nichols and Nellie Louella (Mason) Nichols. He graduated from Hiwasse High in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, experiencing heavy combat on the front lines in Luzon, Philippines. Harley moved to San Jose, Calif. in 1951, where his aunt, Gertrude Mason Galyean Hutchins, and friend Fred Allred, resided. He worked as a barber for over 20 years, while also working part time in real estate. In the early 1970s he began a full time career as a real estate broker. Harley loved "coming home" to the Bentonville area every year until he was disabled by a stroke in 1996. He enjoyed debating politics, and was a great storyteller. Harley is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughter Melissa Louella Dyrdahl and husband Clyde; son James Mason, wife Carole and grandchildren Chelsea and Thomas Nichols; brother in law John Mayhall; cousin Lorene Mason Boling; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Dewey, Jerry, Rex and Raymond Nichols; and nine sisters, Agnes Williams, Eva Grayson, Blanche Styre, Juanita Baker, Zelma Nichols, Mary Kirby, Gertrude Brewer, Margaret Mayhall, and Betty Wright. A private family service was held in San Jose. The family requests that memorials be made to the wonderful organization for stroke survivors from which Harley benefited for the past 20 years: REACH Program, 4000 Middlefield Road, Building P, Palo Alto, Calif. 94303, 650-690-5615.

Published May 13, 2017

Upcoming Events