June 7, 2022 - I came to San Augustine thirty years ago to meet with the Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church to discuss becoming their Pastor. Deacon Chairman Johnny Nichols Immediately explained to me why his legs were so bowed. “It’s Arthur”, he laughed. I’ve tried “all but one thing” to cure my Arthritis, but nothing has helped. When I asked why he hadn’t tried “that one thing”, he said an old man gave him the cure “but I never used it”.
The man said told him that there was only one cure for arthritis…and then gave Johnny them recipe: “Take 13 ripe Polk berries and take one berry each day for six days.” Then on the seventh day, take the last seven berries, “but don’t take no more than seven or ‘it’ll’ kill’ye.” I guess Johnny was afraid to try it because he might mis-count the berries.
Johnny became one of my dearest friends and often drove me to The Denning Community where his family attended church and the exact spot where he and his siblings were baptized on The Ironosa Creek.
Johnny’s wife was not physically able to attend church, but she was so loved and taken care of by Johnny. He said countless times, “Brother Doug, Ruby Dee is a good woman—and from a good family.” And when Johnny sang “Where the Roses Never Fade” one Sunday morning, there was hardly a dry eye in the congregation.
Many men are successful in a myriad of ways, but never become what Johnny Nichols was first and foremost a truly good man.
