Rudy Nava

Rudy Nava LUBBOCK - Rudy Nava passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014. We will gather for fellowship and remembrance from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life of 64 years on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church. A tribute of Rudy's life may be found at www.memorialdesigners.net, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family. Rudy was born on Nov. 24, 1949 to Pedro and Josephina Martinez Nava in Wilson, TX. On Dec. 1, 1995, Rudy married the love of his life, Nancy Hamilton in Lubbock, Texas. He was an honorably discharged Sergeant in the Marine Corp and a Vietnam Veteran. He received a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/1, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Defense, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. He was employed with Western Building Specialties as a field supervisor for 43 years. Rudy, an avid sports enthusiast and dedicated coach, loved playing golf and especially loved attending all of his grandkids' sporting events. Additionally, in 1982, he assisted in founding the Sun Country Volleyball Region and remained active in the organization while serving as commissioner for 20 years. He also founded the Lubbock Volleyball League in 1987. He loved spending time cooking for the family and playing cards. He enjoyed trips to Vegas with Nancy. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Nava; children, Lori Lopez and husband Bryan, Michelle Valdez and husband David, Erik Nava, Jennifer Davidson and husband Brian, Mandi Patton, and Angela Hale and husband Stephen; grandchildren, Kristian Pemberton, Maddisan Valdez, Jayden Rudy Nava, Clay Patton, Maddox Patton, Cruz Lopez, Ben Davidson, Zane Valdez, Parker Hale, Broox Lopez, Luke Davidson, and Kolton Patton; mother, Josephina Nava; siblings, John Nava and wife Gloria, Lolo Nava, Billy Nava and wife Ruth, Sammy Nava, Annie Nava, Lucy Nava, Alice Nowlin and husband, Clyde, Mary Lou Nava, Gloria Nava, and Christina Nava; and his English Bulldog, Bo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jose Nava; his sister, Celia Nava; his father, Pedro Nava; and grandson, Ace Lopez. Memorial contributions are welcome and the family suggests the American Cancer Society, 3511 10th St, Lubbock, TX 79415; www.cancer.org.