Rayford Nichols, 81, of Crossett, formerly of Dumas, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1943, in Sheridan, Arkansas, was a 1961 graduate of Sheridan High School, and served proudly in the United States Army National Guard.

For over twenty years, Rayford served as the Assistant Manager at the Dumas Cotton Warehouse, and later founded the Nichols Backhoe Service, proudly operating his business until his retirement in 2010. True to his energetic spirit, even in his retirement, he took pleasure in driving transport cars for Holt Auto Group.

Rayford, a gifted guitarist and faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hamburg, expressed his love for music by playing with 'The Thicket Pickers,' among many other groups he joyfully performed with throughout his life, including Shad’s group.

An avid outdoorsman, Rayford found great joy in hunting and fishing. He approached life with boundless enthusiasm, often reminding others, 'You only go around once, so make it worthwhile.' Rayford will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, infectious spirit, and the genuine warmth he extended to everyone he met. Yet, it was his profound love for his family that was the true measure of his life.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Nichols Cupit; his adoptive parents; Homer and Lula Nichols; his sister, Francis Dean Ashcraft; and his nephew, Richard A. Ashcraft.

Rayford leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Diane Cooper Nichols of Crossett; one son, Doug Nichols (Karen) of Fairfax, Virginia; and one daughter, Pam Gulledge (Scott) also of Crossett; along with his beloved grandchildren, Andrew Nichols (Melissa), Brian Nichols, Nick Gulledge, and Anna Beth Fitch (Austin); and one great-granddaughter, Baylor Fitch.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 30th, at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Berlin Rd in Hamburg, with Pastor Danny Merriweather officiating, followed by interment at Watson Cemetery in Watson, AR at 2:30 p.m., under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at the church prior to the service.