John Nash

John Nash

John "Johnny" Grady Nash, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, May 10, after a five-year battle with dementia. He was born August 17, 1938, in Hanover County, Va., the youngest of 10 born to Bernard James Nash and Irma Tyler Nash. He was known and beloved by many for his straightforward, sincere wisdom and generosity of time and spirit.

Johnny spent his life as a farmer and automotive mechanic, co-owning the Nash farm with his brother Robert. He was a member of the National Guard, obtaining his sharpshooter certification, a skill he delighted in using to shoot skeet with his children and grandchildren.

Johnny was an institution in Hanover's agricultural community, as well as much of Virginia. In many ways, he was a steward of an oft-forgotten way of life, and prided himself on his ability to solve almost any problem.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Page Nash; his daughter, Nancy Nash Segal; his parents; his sisters, Betty Ann Nash, Muriel Nash Templeman, Genevieve Nash Eubank, Thelma Nash Hamilton, Ophelia Nash Benton, and Marjorie Nash Sherrod; his brothers, Bernard James Nash, Jr. and Norwood Ewell Nash; and his granddaughter, Tyler Marie Nash.

He is survived by his sons, Grady Nash and wife, Susie, Steve Nash; his grandchildren, Laura Nash Richey and husband Josh, Jessy Magor and husband Ian, Jake Segal, Annie Castro and husband Mark; his great-grandchildren, Ella and Toby Phillips, Hannah and Olivia Richey, Nora Magor, and Owen Castro; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, with services to follow at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the West Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street Rd. In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of John Nash, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

Bennett Funeral Home

West Chapel