Robert Preston Nickle, age 73

Robert Preston Nickle of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on February 10, 2025 after an extended illness. Preston was born in Memphis, TN on October 4, 1951 to Cliff and Libbie Nickle of Hughes, Arkansas. Active in Boy Scouts of America, Preston earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the God and Country award, and Vigil Honor in Order of the Arrow scouting honor society. After graduating from Hughes High School, he attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

At Henderson Preston was a member of Eplison Chapter of Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity. He graduated with a BS in Physical Education, following on to complete a Masters in Education. After completing college, Preston taught and coached in Brinkley, AR before moving to North Little Rock where he taught school for over 30 years.

Preston was an excellent cook. He and Linda, his late wife, became active participants in the competitive world of chili through CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International). They traveled throughout the southeastern United States, and more, for many years competing in, and spearheading local competitions. Preston began cooking “competition chili” in 1981. He served as Great Pepper of the Arkansas Social Society Pod for many years. In recognition of his many contributions to Chili, Charity, and Fun; Preston was inducted into the Chili Hall of Fame in 1995. He served on the CASI Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), Lodge #1004 in North Little Rock, Arkansas was another organization Preston was devoted to supporting.

Preston was predeceased by his parents, Cliff and Libbie Nickle; wife, Linda Chandler Nickle; sister Elizabeth Nickle Arnett; and brother in law, Marvin Blanks. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Louise Blanks of Philadelphia, MS; Margaret Anne Savelle (Stephen) of Tullahoma, TN; niece, Beth Blanks (Megan) of Los Angeles, CA; nephews Adam Blanks (Meg) of Fort Collins, CO; Drew Savelle (Lauren) and Nick Savelle, of Tullahoma, TN.

Memorial donations may be made to North Little Rock Elks Lodge # 1004, 123 E. Broadway St., North Little Rock, AR 72114.

There will be a memorial service for Preston at BPOE Elks Lodge #1004, 123 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Saturday, March 1st, at 7 pm. There will be a graveside service at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City, Arkansas, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10 o’clock am.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com