James Douglas Nail's Obituary
James Douglas Nail, 76, died peacefully at Circle of Life in Springdale, AR surrounded by family and his loving wife. James “Doug”, as his family called him, was born on July 4, 1947, in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Earl Houston and Mary Elizabeth Nail. He joined the Navy and then later the Marines. In the Marines he fought in the Vietnam Conflict. On April 22, 1970, he was tragically wounded in the line of duty protecting his fellow soldiers. He was discharged with full honors. While in the service he received the following honors: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman Rifle Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star.
After the military and a long stint in the hospital, he married the love of his life, Cathy in 1971 and became stepfather to Gary and Rhonda. Together they furthered their education. While at the University of Arkansas, Doug made the Dean’s List. Afterwards, they traveled the U.S. At one time they hitchhiked from Arkansas to Texas for Cathy’s parent’s 50th anniversary. Some of his most memorable travels were to San Franciso and Niagara Falls. He loved to take his grandchildren on adventures to sell The Bluebirds of Happiness. He traveled the country in search of new treasures. At home, he was known for his outlandish projects. Doug was a busy body and always planning his next adventure. You knew when he entered the room, he was outspoken and a man of his word. He loved his family and spent many hours telling stories of the past. Doug was a good friend, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He was famous in his own right and well known to the locals in Fayetteville as the “Mayor of Dickson Street”. He will be missed by many.
Preceded in death by his parents, Earl Houston and Lizzie, sisters Wonnie, Earlene, and Helen, brother Curtis, son-in-law Mick, brother-in-law JD and several good friends and extended family. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cathy; son Gary Wheeler and Beth of Richland Hills, TX; their children, Charla Clark and Eric of Huntsville, AR, Kathy Wheeler of Fayetteville, AR, Seth Barrera of Richland Hills, TX and late son Jeremy Barrera; daughter Rhonda Million of Somerville, TX, her children, Melissa Ramzel and Spencer of Schertz, TX, Jason Faghih and Melody of Tampa Bay, FL, Jennifer Barkley and Jeremy of Amarillo, TX, Nick Million and Alma of Humble, TX, Tessa Gonzales and Gabe of Katy, TX, Monica Million of Somerville, TX and honorary daughter Lauri Francis also of Somerville; sister Gail Pyle and children Jerry, Debbie, and Shawna; brother Dwight Nail and Alisha and their sons David, Brian, James and Kevin, late brother Curtis’s daughter Pam, late sister Wonnie’s children Robert, Rick, Randy, and Emily; Earlene’s children Holly, Curtis, Joyce, and Bobby, Helen’s children Clifton, Donna, and late daughter Rita; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, numerous great nieces and nephews as well as many longtime friends.
A viewing will take place at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home in Fayetteville, AR Tuesday February 6th at 1pm followed by the service at 2pm. Burial will take place at Nail Cemetery in Lafferty, AR Saturday, February 10th at 2pm with full military honors. A special thanks to Circle of Life and Collier’s for their compassion and support through the last few months of Doug’s life.
Click this link to view additional details about James's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-nail
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?