Thomas Edward Nash Jr.
June 5, 1941 ~ June 4, 2020
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Thomas Edward Nash Jr., 78, of Asheville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 4, 2020 at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.
Tom was a native of Buncombe County and the son of Thomas Edward Nash Sr. and Julia Vanderhoof Nash. Tom boarded at Virginia Episcopal School (Lynchburg, Virginia), where he lettered in track, earning the nickname “Top Speed”. He returned to Asheville where he graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School and then attended Mars Hill College, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce and met the love of his life, Brenda Grass Nash.
Tommy was a man of strong faith and courage. He began his adult life with his wife Brenda by his side, working his way up in the business world at the The Coca-Cola Company as an employee. He was constantly promoted due to his great work ethic, determination and intellectual prowess. At the peak of his career, Tom achieved CEO and Owner of Coca-Cola Affiliated. He built his business to become the 15th largest privately held Coca-Cola Bottling Company in the United States.
Tom went on to establish the Asheville Jet Center, now known as Signature Flight Support at the Asheville Regional Airport. He was passionate with selfless philanthropy especially in the fields of healthcare, education and the church. Tom was involved in the establishment and funding of projects at Mission Children’s Hospital Outpatient Building, the Mission Heart Tower, Mission Cancer Center, Mars Hill University, Carolina Day School, Asheville Christian Academy, Frederica Academy (St. Simons Island, Georgia), The Salvation Army Center of Hope, Calvary Episcopal Church and Central United Methodist Church. On a national level, Tom was a leading donor to JDF/JDRF as they work to research a cure for type 1 diabetes. Tom embodied the scripture “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17.
Tom loved and treasured his family. His desire to provide for them, as well as future generations, was a driving force. He is forever remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a true gentleman with a kind heart and a giving spirit.
Tom was a member of the Episcopal Church, serving as an acolyte in his early years at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and as an adult, a chalice bearer at Calvary Episcopal Church. He was also voted as Diocesan representative for Calvary and attended the Diocesan Convention. He served on the local boards of Wachovia, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Asheville Country Day School and The Salvation Army. He received the title of Knights of the Laurel in the Rhododendron Royal Brigade of Guards and was a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club and Ocean Forest Golf Club, among many others.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Brenda Grass Nash; four children, Beth Nash Barker (husband Joel), Catherine Nash Gay (husband Will), Thomas Edward Nash III (wife Marcia) and Rachel Nash; twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth Barker, Joe Barker, Jenny Barker, Ruth Barker Goodman (husband Nate), Rachel Gay, William Gay, Thomas “Edward” Nash IV, Hannah Brownlee, Amelia Brownlee, Gloria Brownlee, Mary Ryals Russell and Nash Russell; one great-grandson, Boone Goodman; one sister, Nancy Nash Stoutamire; one brother, Vandie Nash and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
The Nash family wishes to thank each of their private care team for their genuine love and wonderful service to Tommy. Also, deep thanks to the Deerfield staff who, with great commitment, cared for him.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 11 at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard. Tom will lie in state at Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian location in Arden from 9:00AM until 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. During those times, guests may sign the register book and view the casket if they wish.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in honor of Thomas E. Nash, Jr. to the Mars Hill University Student Center, Attn: Bud Christman at P.O. Box 6792 Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754.
Services
Graveside Service: June 11, 2020 11:00 am
Calvary Episcopal Churchyard
Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
828-252-3535
For those who wish to pay their respects:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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To the family of Tommy Nash, my sincere condolences. I knew Tommy since our youth. Playing baseball with and against him, he was a fierce competitor and a fun guy to be around.After high school I would see him at different functions, and you could always tell that he was a man of great Christian faith as was his sweet wife Brenda. He is now over his battle with his horrible disease and is with his Heavenly Father. Praise God.
Brenda and family. We are so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a very caring and generous soul and a perfect example for others to follow. A special man who is suffering no more. God Bless you all.
Brenda and family
A gentleman truly describes Tom with the emphasis on gentle. He has done so much for the community and will be truly missed
Pam and Jim Turner
Dear Brenda,
Sending my deepest sympathy and condolences from St. Barth to you and your family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you can find comfort in knowing that Tom no longer must suffer and is now at peace with the Lord. With much love, Nancy
Brenda: Sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda, Beth, Ruth and family. I’m saddened to hear of Tommy’s passing. I know that because of you and The Lord’s blessings in Tommy’s life, he was able to accomplish great achievements for His glory that very few sons, husbands and fathers, would ever dream to achieve. Thanks for all that you have done for His church, community, institutions and friends. Asheville is a better city because of His Life Who resides in Tommy and Brenda and your family.
I am so thankful for His Blessed Hope which will allow all of His Church to be gathered together “very soon!” We love you and will be praying for you and all who knew Tommy as we grieve together.
My sincere condolences to Mrs Nash and family. Annette Coleman
Jackie Johnson
Tom’s presence has been deeply missed at the studio. My sincere condolences to your family.
Dear Brenda and entire Nash Family, My sincere condolences for your loss and am thankful to have known and experienced Tommy’s love, faith, generosity, and wisdom this side of heaven. Much love to you all.
Mrs Nash and family! It was a privilege to be a Caregiver for Mr Nash the last 3.5 years. Mr Nash was a true gentleman and his outgoing personality and zest for life and his Love for the Lord is how I will remember him. He truly left an impression in my Heart and I will never forget Dear, Sweet, Mr Nash! May he Rest in Peace in his Forever Home! Much Love to each of you!
Jane and Paul Parker
Goodby for now my friend. I will see you again before too long. Jesus went to make a place for us and now you are there with him.
Tommy was so blessed with such a wonderful, loving family and now his physical struggle has ended. Thinking of all of you. It is not easy I know.
Thinking of you & sending love 💕 & peace. He will be dearly missed, but remembered oh so well!
Melissa & George
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nash family during this difficult time. May God comfort you.
What a beautiful, meaningful life your Father lived. The powerful lessons he instilled in you his children will continue to be a living memorial to his life!
As I read through Thomas’s accolades and life’s work, I am touched by the achievements of his many dreams.
He has been a valiant model of 2 Corinthians 9:7 …”for God loves a cheerful giver”…
May you his dear wife and family rest in the knowledge that Thomas and you all have made this world a better place. What a gift of a life!
Rest, sing and joy with Jesus now dear Mr. Nash in your eternal peaceful home 💫
Brenda, I am so sorry for your families loss. Mr. NASH was such a great gentlemen and loved his community and they loved him. He’s with the Lord now and has a whole new body and mind. I haven’t been back to work since COVID-19, but if I can help you in anyway or your family please do not hesitate to call. May the Lord comfort you, Tom and the whole family in this time of grief, but this is a homecoming for him. Your friend
Sam
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Seth and Angela Curtis
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of the patriarch of your beautiful family. Having spent 30 years sharing many Nash family moments as memories were being made, we were so graciously blessed to be included in the lives of Tom and Brenda, as well as their children. The Nash Athletic Center at Carolina Day School is a testament to Tom’s vision and leadership while serving the CDS community. May you find strength in carrying on all of the qualities that made your husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother such an extraordinary man.
With love and prayers for peace – Ernie and Becky
We are holding each of you in our hearts and prayers during this painful time. We hope that knowing that Tommy is with the Lord in his Heavenly Kingdom will comfort you in the days ahead. Peace be with you and all of your children/grandchildren.
All our love,
Leigh and John
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Thomas. I hope and pray that you all and lean on each other in this time of sorrow and fondly remember the good times. Although I did not personally know Thomas, I do know that without him and the things your family has done for CDS, my family would not have had the chance to open doors to new opportunities and new experiences. My family will always be grateful to what Thomas and your family have done and continue to do.
God Bless,
Starling B. Underwood III (Class of 2002)
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Thomas. I hope and pray that you all and lean on each other in this time of sorrow and fondly remember the good times. Although I did not personally know Thomas, I do know that without him and the things your family has done for CDS, my family would not have had the chance to open doors to new opportunities and new experiences. My family will always be grateful to what Thomas and your family have done and continue to do.
God Bless,
Starling B. Underwood III (Class of 2002)
I was so saddened to hear this. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to spend some time around Mr. Nash. He was a great example of how to achieve success, while also maintaining a heart of compassion and kindness for everyone around him. The lessons I learned from him will always remain to be very valuable to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nash family.
Brenda and family,
We are so appreciative of the kindness Tom and your family showed our Christy when she was an associate minister at CUMC. You have been so generous with you time and resources to all you came to know. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Brenda,
I am saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. What a great man! I remember your kindness and generosity when my husband died while I was employed in the President’s Office at Mars Hill College/University and you were on the Trustee Board. My thoughts are with you.
Dear Brenda and family,
I was very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. I am grateful to have known him, and I am appreciative of the many kindnesses he showed me over the years. May a lifetime of good memories help sustain you at this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Tom Marberger
We were sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Brenda, we have always admired you and Tom so much. You inspired us and set examples of Christian love and family. May the grace of God be with you in the days ahead and bring you comfort and peace. Nancy and Virgil
Dear Brenda and all of your family, I am thinking of you at this time of loss. Tom was a source of strength and a symbol of how to live a meaningful life. Above all, he was always positive and friendly to all he knew and all he met. I wish you peace.
Sincerely, Sue Ellen Sims
Our most heartfelt sympathy for the family’s loss.
Brenda and family, I send my condolences and prayers for each of you as you mourn Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories of your years with us at Calvary, and your leadership there. May God give you peace, and comfort.
To all Tom’s family, so sorry to hear of Mr. Nash passing. He was a good man to work for. Asheville was a Coke town because of his work. He hired me back in 81 and I’m still there today. He will be missed. You’re all in my prayers.
Brenda and family,
Gene and I were saddened to learn of Tommy’s passing but know that there must be some level of comfort in knowing that his suffering is ended. We regret that we were unable to attend the service, but have had you in our thoughts and have talked a lot about the days that we shared with T-ball, teenagers, and old Asheville memories. Be well and we hope we’ll see you soon,
Tommy and Gene Arnold
So sorry to learn of Tommy’s passing. Tom Nash was in a class by himself. I had the pleasure to call him a dear friend for almost sixty years. My sympathy and condolence to the entire Nash family……………May God’s Grace and Peace be with each of you for a liftime.