Ben is survived by his parents G. Allan and Season Nichols; sister, Rebecca Nichols; brother, Bryan Nichols; grandmother, Glenda Nichols of Monticello, Arkansas; grandfather, Bobby Wilkerson of Monticello, Arkansas; aunt, Jamie Nichols of Little Rock, Arkansas; uncle, Shane (Tina) Wilkerson of Greenville, Mississippi; aunt, Shaye (Matthew) Bradford of Little Rock, Arkansas; and a whole host of cousins as well as friends that he considered family. Special thank you to Zach Jones and Hunter & Gracie Wilkerson whom Ben loved dearly.
Ben showed his love for sports when he started playing football at five years old. He was very proud of the legacy he continued in the Nichols' name. He certainly followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Gary and two great uncles, Mike and Kenny. He played junior high and high school football for the Monticello Billies. He graduated in 2016 as an honor graduate. Ben was a scholar athlete who fulfilled his dream of playing football for the Boll Weevils. He graduated in 2022 from UAM with a BS in Natural Science.
During Ben's journey of treatments, he would often compare his battle with cancer to that of playing football. You had to have strength, endurance, determination, and most importantly, the heart of a champion. The same characteristics he used for his greatest joy; he applied in his fight with cancer. He always said, "I can do hard things and cancer is hard." And he did it!
Ben loved the outdoors. He would end every prayer thanking God for the birds, trees, and all the creatures in the forest. He was an avid hunter and loved sharing stories about his hunting and fishing adventures. Ben loved people, music, sports, and his precious dogs, Bernie Sanders and Bella. He also enjoyed telling dad jokes and tricky riddles. More than anything, Ben love his family (and obviously Hawaiian shirts). His eyes would light up with pure joy anytime he spoke of them. Ben frequently bragged about the accomplishments of his family members with of course an added joke or two.
Ben was christened as an infant at the First United Methodist Church and later baptized at Pauline Baptist Church. He was an active member of Pauline Youth Group. He was strong is his faith and found joy in sharing God's word with others. He always believed the most important part of his journey was to pour into others; boy did he. In his short time here on earth, he made a huge impact in the lives around him. His legacy of kindness will continue in the hearts of everyone he blessed.
To know Ben was to know true and unconditional love. He had a special way of finding the best in everyone and everything. He always made sure to leave others better than he found them. His soul was crafted from a special kind of calm that made you feel at peace anytime you were in his presence. He always met you with the most contagious smile and the most comforting hug.
God created Ben for the distinct purpose of sharing love and laughter. He made the world a better and brighter place because of the light within him that shined so brightly.
No matter his worries, hardships, pain, or suffering, he never complained. His favorite verse from The Bible reads, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me."- Psalms 23:4
"In times of trouble all we have to do is feel God being there with us, no matter the situation, and just breath as my momma taught me."- Ben
Funeral services will be Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Pauline Baptist Church Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.
Please sign Ben's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com
Condolences(30)
Billy & Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Monday, May 8, 2023 So sorry for your loss and thankful for Ben's testimony!Dr. C. Robert (Bob) Stark, Jr.
Monticello, AR Monday, May 8, 2023 Alan & Season,My prayers and deepest sympathy in the passing of your son. May God grant you comfort and peace in the days ahead. His love exceeds all of our sorrows because He gave His son to provide our salvation. Lean on God for the strength that you will need.
Misty Wilhite
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 7, 2023 The Nichols Family,I am so, so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing! Continued prayers for you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Ben is with the Lord and is happy and pain free! My Deepest Sympathies and love to you and your family.
Misty Wilhite
Larry and Charlotte Wilson
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 7, 2023 Nichols Family, you all are in our prayers and thoughts.Wayne and Tonya Hudgens
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, May 7, 2023 Allan, Season and Family, prayers for you all, Ben was a shining light! God gained an angel!Kristie and Pat Fowler
, Sunday, May 7, 2023 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Tommie Moyers
Crossett, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 Dear Season and family,Our prayers continue for each of you during this time. May God bring strength, comfort and courage as you meet the days, weeks and months with your dear loved one in Heaven. We will continue to pray for you and your family. We are so very sorry.
Sandi
Sherwood, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 Nothing compares to the loss or prepares you for the intense desolation when your child passes. Our thoughts and prayers will continue and we know that you will "Stand on your faith" and remember that God is holding you all in his loving armsTerri Eubanks
Hermitage, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 What a wonderful tribute to a special young man! Allan and Season: you are on our minds and in our prayers. May our God of hope give you peace and comfort that can only be found in him.Terri and Von Eubanks
Michael and Rayan Jenkins
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. No words do him or your loss justice. He was a good and lovable young manRobin Johnson
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 So many prayers and love for this dear family. Ben displayed the amazing strength throughout his battle. The smile and encouraging words to each person he came in contact with. I am sure God has a very special place for him.Robin Johnson
Jamie Rawls
Monticello, AR Friday, May 5, 2023 Season,I don't know where to start. Ben's personality was bigger than life. He was so much like you in so many ways, his smile, his laughter, his love for life, his affection for people. I cannot begin to express my heartfelt sympathy. All I can say is time is a thief but eternity oh sweet eternity is forever. God is bigger than all of this. I don't know how but he will see you through this. He will see you each through this. I know you find comfort in knowing he is in no more pain. I love you sweet lady. I love you so much. Oh sweet Becca, I love you too. I will pray for you with all that I have. If you ever need anything, I am here.
KT
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 You guys have been on my mind every day. I’m so broken-hearted for you. Much love,many prayers and so many hugs.Laura McNeese
Foley, AL Thursday, May 4, 2023 I am so sorry for your loss! Ben was such a sweet young man! God bless the family!Laura McNeese “Honey”
Martha Barbee
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 You are in my thoughts & prayers. God Bless!Janet grissom
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 Praying God will supply all of your needs during this time. May HE give you comfort and peace beyond understanding. Your son was a courageous and strong young man and will be remembered fondly by his many friends.Lela Menottii
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 Praying for you all that God will give you comfort even though I know you are suffering. Ben touched so many in his time here and will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those that knew him.BARBARA NEWTON
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 I am so sad about the loss of Ben. He fought it with all he had. Praying for the family during this difficult time.Melissa Cason
Stuttgart, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 Season, Allan and Family,Ben had a beautiful light about him. He was a kind and sweet boy. There are no words we could use to express how we feel. We are so very sorry for your loss just doesn't convey the emotion we felt when learning of his passing. All we can offer you is prayer for comfort, peace and strength. Your family is loved by so many, including our family, and we hope you feel the love right now the most as you navigate through this devastating time.
Jimmy and Melissa Cason and family
JENNIFER CALHOUN
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 You all are in my thoughts and prayers.Robert Wellenberger
Enfield, CT Thursday, May 4, 2023 Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt sorrow go out to the family. Typed words cannot do the justice of conveying all we feel for your loss.Debbie Ackerson
Marshall, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 Allan, I am so sorry for your loss. I know your family must be devastated. I am praying for you and your family. God Bless.Cimi Ward
Cabot, AR Thursday, May 4, 2023 Ben was and always will be one of my favorite patients. No matter how he felt, he shared joy and laughter, and was a master of “dad jokes”. His kind words will forever remain in my memory as I continue nursing; cancer cannot steal the positive impact he has had ❤️Joy Kelley Cunningham
Portland, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 My heart aches for your family. 💙Lily Briseno
Tillar, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Ben, it broke my heart to hear of your passing. I prayed for you daily and your family. To know you and to feel the spirit move in you was that of a blessing. May you rest in peace eternally and know you’re no longer hurting.Jaxen Morphis
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 I’m so sorry for your loss. Ben was a good guy and an even better friend. He never failed to make the people in the room smile and laugh. He was so loved and he will be so missed.Lily Briseno
Tillar, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Ben, it broke my heart to hear of your passing. I prayed for you daily and your family. To know you and to feel the spirit move in you was that of a blessing. May you rest in peace eternally and know you’re no longer hurting.Bea Tucker
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Season and Family,No words can take away the hurt your family is experiencing at this time. You all have been in my prayers. I will continue to pray for God to grant each of you a very special portion of his love, grace, understanding and comfort now and in the days and weeks ahead as you go forward without your sweet Ben. Heaven gained a special person!!!
Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Dear Nichols Family, I don't have the words to express how sorry I am at this time of your great loss of Benjamin. I am praying for all of you at this most sad time!Judy Holaway
Foley, AL Tuesday, May 2, 2023 I am so sorry to hear this. Ben and your family have been in my prayers. Becca and Spring I’m keeping you in my prayers during this time.