John Neal Nash

John Neal Nash, 89, soared to new heights in the heavens when he left this world on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Raised on a farm in Baxter, Tennessee by Harvey and Lela Belle Nash, John dreamed of flying and joined the ROTC at Tennessee Tech so he could learn to do it. And while the Army (Lt. Colonel) taught him to fly helicopters and planes, he eventually swapped that uniform for a dapper blue suit living in Wheaton, Illinois while flying for United Airlines (Captain). Ever fascinated with aviation, when retirement beckoned, he flew radio controlled planes with his friends in South Carolina.

The only thing John loved more than flying were the women in his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Jewell; and is survived by his loving second wife, Melinda. He also leaves behind his precious daughters, Julie and Jan Nash; and was loved and supported by his daughter-in-law, Sara Meyer; his grandchildren, Heather Beck (Trevor) and Abe and Hazel Nash-Resnick; as well as Melinda’s children, Melanie Reese (Barry) and Brandon Leard, and grandchildren, Luke Mitchell, Emily Mitchell, Brett Reese and Brittany Thomas.

John was an amazing man who would drive 1000 miles to replace a light switch for you. He was quiet but had a dry sense of humor. He loved sweets as well as Apple computer products, had no time for dogs, but a soft spot for cats. Mostly, John loved who he loved with his whole heart even if he didn’t always have the words to express it. He will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel. John will be interred in the Nash Grove Cemetery in Putnam County, TN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Greenville https://habitatgreenville.org.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of John with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.