Name: Visitation for Charles "Cotton" Nash
Start: 2023-05-26T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-05-26T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Milward Funeral Directors - Southland

Charles "Cotton" Nash
July 24, 1942 - May 23, 2023
Lexington, Kentucky - Charles "Cotton" Nash, a longtime Lexingtonian, devoted family man and beloved Kentucky sports figure, passed away following an extended illness. His death has prompted a national outpouring of tributes to his athletic abilities, personal character, and impact on the basketball program at the University of Kentucky where he played for Adolph Rupp from 1961-1964. To this day he remains on the UK top ten all-time list for rebounds and scoring. Notably, there was no three-point shot line during his collegiate career. While at UK he also excelled in the baseball program and even in track & field. Born in Jersey City, NJ, with striking white-blonde hair, Cotton was the son of Frank and Nell Nash, with one sister, Francene, who has predeceased him. His youth included residing in New Albany, IN and Lake Charles, LA where his accomplishments led him to be a sought after collegiate player. After college he became one of only 13 ever to play in both Major League Baseball and in the NBA (as well as the ABA): baseball with the White Sox and Twins; and basketball for the Lakers, Warriors, and the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA. He later coached professionally in the Angels organization before settling in Lexington. In 1993, he was inducted into both the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. In recent years Cotton and his wife, Julie, established a successful venture into Standardbred Horse Racing and Breeding and in 2010 received the National Breeders Award for horse of the year, Rock N Roll Heaven. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Julie, 3 children, Patrick (Christy), Richey (Ashley) and Audrey (Jason) Lowrey and 9 grandchildren: Nick, Alex, Casey, Catey, Jack, Lucy, and Hazel Mae Nash, Vivian and Josephine Lowrey. He was often seen in the outfield or courtside at his grandchildren's sporting events. He loved coaching them to victory, encouraging them in defeat, and celebrating their accomplishments. He was a devout Catholic and member of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington. Visitation will take place on Fri., May 26, 2023, 4-7 pm, Milward-Southland and a Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Sat., May 27, 2023, at 10 am. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Favored charities are the Catholic Action Center, 1055 Industry Rd., Lexington, KY 40505 and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 2711 Friar Tuck Rd., Anderson, IN 46013. www.milwardfuneral.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from May 25 to May 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Nash

10 Entries

Steve and MarySandra Foster

January 21, 2025

We hadn't heard of Cotton's passing, but he was a remarkable man, from a remarkable family. His Dad, Frank, hired me into the Du Pont Company in my Leominster, Massachusetts hometown. When I was in high school, my Dad asked Cotton for an autograph for me (which I still treasure). Cotton's sister, Francene, was in my sister-in-law's (Lynn Skinner Foster) class at Leominster High School. MarySandra and I plan to say the Rosary for Cotton, his family, and all who love him. May Our Lady, Notre Dame, take good care of Cotton until we see him again, in Christ. (I think of Cotton each time I drive on I-10 through Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he once lived and starred in high school sports). On behalf of the entire Deane C. Foster Family, all our love and prayers to the entire Nash Family, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas

Tony

August 31, 2023

To the family, many, many friends, and fans of Mr. Charles “Cotton” Nash fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Mr. Charles “Cotton” Nash was a basketball star at the University of Kentucky in the 1960s who went on to play both basketball and baseball professionally. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Mr. Charles “Cotton” Nash. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. Charles “Cotton” Nash. We will never forget that he was a wonderful basketball and baseball player in these great games, what a tremendous goal and accomplishment.

Jesse

June 13, 2023

My Condolences.

Robert Monahan

May 26, 2023

My favorite all-time UK basketball player. I idolized him when I was in high school.

Elizabeth Bell

May 25, 2023

R.I.P. Charles

Susan Adkins

May 25, 2023

Pat, so sorry about the loss of your dad. I know you and the kids will sorely miss him. He was larger then life and his achievements are larger than life.

Frank Brannock

May 25, 2023

I sat with Cotton at a little league game in 1975. He was sure a fine man, a very humble and gentel man. I enjoyed his company. I watched him play basketball at UK, his career was awesome. He made it look so easy in the smooth manner in which he played. He will be missed.

Michael Hammonds

May 25, 2023

My favorite UK BB player of all time! Need I say more?

May 24, 2023

I never saw Cotton play, but playing at the highest levels in the sports of baseball and basketball is quite an accomplishment.