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William Nagel Obituary
Nashville, TN
William James (Bill) Nagel, age 63, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 30, 2014, of an unknown cause. He died peacefully while doing what he loved, stretching out on the floor at the gym.
Bill was many things to many people, but primarily he was a committed father to his two sons, Maslin and Tristan, a cutting-edge personal trainer highly committed and devoted to his clients, and a trusted friend.
To say he "marched to his own drummer" would be an understatement. He was a vibrant example of living life on your own terms, and he will be greatly missed not only by his sons, but also by his loyal clients and fellow professionals.
Optimal fitness was Bill's way of life and he shared this passion in a sometimes boisterous, always caring and ultimately effective way. As one colleague said, "The silence he left behind will be louder than he ever was.
Bill was Nashville's first personal fitness trainer and worked with many prominent music and business executives and performers, as well as many business and community leaders. He was constantly "ahead of the curve," and he delivered his sensibilities in a way that made his clients commit year after year to working with him - some for over 20 years! He was something of a legend.
But Bill was also much more than a trainer. He gave his clients his fullest attention and helped them achieve great things in a very personal way. He listened to each person completely and added wonderful insight, humor and compassion to stories they shared that reached far beyond the world of fitness. He was amazing in this way and a true professional.
In the past year or so, Bill had become a student of yoga. He had a passion for the strength, spirituality and peace it brought him. He did not adhere to organized religion, but had an unshakable passion for God and "another world" that he believed in and understood; yoga helped him process these beliefs.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Norma and Vernon Nagel.
Survivors include sons, Maslin and Tristan Nagel of Nashville, TN; sister, Sue Nagel Myers of Bellevue, TN; sister, Pat McKinney of Cincinnati, OH; brother, Tim Nagel of Louisville, KY; and special family friend, Zachary Blaise Williams of Nashville, TN.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at STEPS Fitness Center, located at 2424 21st Avenue South, Suite 100, on Saturday, November 8, from 4-6 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Nagel
Anissa Bartels
September 26, 2024
Wow it´s been 10 years. Today I thought of Bill. I have on many occasions. He helped me so much and was the first person to tell me about Pilates and Joe Pilates and pilates changed my life. I´m so grateful to Bill for showing me a better way to live in my body. He was one of a kind.
Benjamin
October 28, 2019
It has been 4 years since I received the call of Bills passing. I still think of Bill quite regularly. The advice he gave me, the conversations we had and his nature of sharing has been unmatched. A lot of things have changed in my life since last we spoke. Having Bill see my accomplishments and hearing his congratulations are missed. See you on the flip side Bill-Bill.
Cindy Norris Barger
January 7, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was my high school classmate. Intelligent, athletic, reserved and caring are just a few words I would use to describe Bill. Although he has made the journey we all must make, it is never easy for those left behind. Offering up love and prayers to all those who feel the void from his passing.
Thom Lightfoot
December 28, 2014
bill was one of the nicest people i knew in high school....i can still see him standing in Sharon's front yard, or at the Yates' talking basketball, and being a friend to those whose lives he touched deeply....no surprise to read about him after 40+ years of not hearing about him, that he was a pillar in his community, and gave of himself for the betterment of others.....was so gratifying to read...peace to his loved ones....
james lang
December 15, 2014
I have lost a loving brother today, I will miss him deeply.
Jenny B
November 18, 2014
I had the honor of being a client of Bill's for many years. He was a force of nature. I always looked forward to our appointments. I'll miss his wickedly funny humor, sharp intelligence and his great laugh. He helped me achieve great goals. He was top notch at what he did. He always lit up when he spoke of his sons. He was a great soul.
Kathy Hurley
November 18, 2014
What a shining light and positive prsence!
I will always remember your smile and your empowering encouragement.
With love and gratitude, farewell good friend!
Tristan Nagel
November 11, 2014
To paraphrase Rowland S. Howard's"Autoluminescent" -You were blinding, you were autolumiescent,you were white heat, you were Heaven sent. And I hope that you are soaring through outer space.
Susan Cantalupo
November 10, 2014
Very sorry to read of Bill's passing......Condolences to his family
Shawn Hinton
November 9, 2014
Godspeed Bill. Prayers to his friends and family.
November 7, 2014
The world is emptier for the loss of this great and generous heart. My sympathy to the Nagle family. Martha Dettwiller
ERod
November 7, 2014
Every conversation or encounter with Bill was energizing. His open mindedness and curiosity on all matters were refreshing. As a fellow trainer I always considered him to be the top professional in the area and welcomed his guidance and advice.
Smitty
November 5, 2014
honored to have the opportunity to know Bill, Godspeed my friend.
November 5, 2014
Bill,
What a great guy. I didn't really know him that well or see him that often, but every time I did we always stopped and spoke. He always had a smile on his face and a great attitude. What an unexpected loss. Scott Faragher
jarboe
November 4, 2014
He added texture to my life. Verbally sparring with Bill made you sharp. You can't say that about most people but made you think.
Tristan Nagel
November 3, 2014
"The fire that burns twice as bright burns half as long." -Lao Tzu
Father, I will miss you with my entire being until we meet again on whatever plane that you have transcended to. We both know that energy does not die, it just changes forms. May you burn twice as bright, but half as hot in your future endeavors in whatever form you choose to be.
julie haffner
November 3, 2014
Bill,
paved the way for personal trainers.
May he rest and peace.
Bill is missed by many.
Beautiful life..
Julie
November 3, 2014
Bill was an icon in the fitness world.
He was the best ever..
My mentor.
Rest in Peace my friend.
We will miss you and we will carry on..
Julie
November 3, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy from Wayne and Nancy Rice.
Philip Smith
November 3, 2014
I knew Bill from many years at the Club at Green Hills. He helped my knee and became a dear friend I will miss him but know I will be with him again someday.
Ashley Byrne
November 3, 2014
I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful man who will be missed greatly.
Cathy
November 3, 2014
Bill was a sweet man and I always looked forward to seeing his smile and hearing his hello when i came in the gym. He will be sadly missed in our little gym family. Sending prayers to his family...
Benjamin Bolton
November 3, 2014
I cannot not begin to express the meaning and joy Bill brought into my life. Bill has been a dear friend and father figure to me for close to 20 years. Bill welcomed me with open arms, heart and home from day one. Never judging me and always willing to help me. The loss of Bill leaves a void in my life that could never be filled by another. That's because there is and was only one Bill-Bill Nagel. You will be dearly missed my friend!
Buzz Jacoway
November 3, 2014
A great and funny gentleman.It was always fun to cut up with him.
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