FAYETTEVILLE James Douglas Nail,

— 76, died peacefully at Circle of Life in Springdale, Ark., surrounded by family and his loving wife. James “Doug,” as his family called him, was born on July 4, 1947, in Rock Springs, Wy., 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 Francisco 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; brotherin-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, Texas; their children, Charla Clark and Eric, of Huntsville, Ark., Kathy Wheeler of Fayetteville, Ark., Seth Barrera, of Richland Hills, Texas; and late son, Jeremy Barrera; daughter, Rhonda Million, of Somerville, Texas, her children, Melissa Ramzel and Spencer, of Schertz, Texas, Jason Faghih, and Melody, of Tampa Bay, Fla., Jennifer Barkley, and Jeremy, of Amarillo, Texas, Nick Million, and Alma, of Humble, Texas, Tessa Gonzales, and Gabe, of Katy, Texas, Monica Million, of Somerville, Texas, 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, Ark., Tuesday, February 6, at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at Nail Cemetery in Lafferty, Ark., Saturday, February 10, at 2 p.m., 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.

Condolences may be shared online at: www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.