Donald Wayne Lewis “Survivor” Nash, 69, of Gore, Virginia, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Virginia in the loving arms of his wife, Vicki. He ran a hard and long race, ultimately succumbing to God’s will, and become the symbol of a hero to his wife.
Mr. Nash was born in 1949, in Montgomery, Maryland, the son of the late Glessy Marie and Albert C. Nash, Jr. He was a Veteran having served in the United States Army. Mr. Nash was the owner & operator of his own trucking company and a contractor for FedEx until May of 2014 when he went to drive for a local Winchester company to be close to home and his wife. Then he drove for another contractor at FedEx till his illness wouldn’t let him any more. In his earlier years, he had an interest and a love of horses which led him to become a horse jockey, as well as helping with the care of the horses and their training. He even raced at Pimlico in Baltimore. The apples of his eye were all of their Goldendoodles – Max, Gracie, and Faith.
He took his occupation as a professional truck driver of 48+ years very seriously, with many outstanding merits and a stellar safety record. He drove all over the east, west, north, and south coast. Everyone knew him to be a very hard worker with anything that he did, as well as the fact that they could always count on him. He was responsible, reliable, dependable, honest, and would not think twice to go the extra mile. He never met a stranger, and had a personality that was magnetic and would light up the room with his contagious laugh and smile. He had a true heart of gold and was warm, gentle, loving, and kind. When he met you, he would greet you with “hi, brother” or it would be “hi, sis”. He was a loveable person, give you the last dollar in his pocket, and give you the shirt off his back – then help you put it on. He was always looking out for others. He would witness for the Lord with every chance that he got.
He loved the Lord with all his heart, as that was witnessed when he was at his church and worshiping by his smiling, laughing and crying in praise he was so humble as he chased after God’s own heart. To witness the joy of the Lord that he had was amazing as it overflowed One of his post-retirement wishes was to be able to reach out to as many souls as possible, a soul winner for his Lord and help prepare them for the Lord’s coming – Donald had a burden for others and where their souls were to go with the coming of the Lord. It was no secret that he had the love of Jesus in his heart and he wanted to share it with everybody. Mr. Nash was a member of Back Creek Valley Full Gospel Church in Hedgesville, West Virginia.
He enjoyed gardening, tending to his flowers & vegetables. Nature and just being outside was his oasis and happy place. Donald enjoyed fishing, swimming, going to the ocean and anything to do with being on the water. He loved the mountains with all the beautiful sunsets and living in the country. He loved the simple things in life and that meant the most to him. He loved seafood – especially steamed crabs and shrimp. He also loved a good ol’ thick steak and some fried chicken from time to time, then chase it all down with a cold glass of iced tea. Gospel music and bluegrass certainly had a special place in his heart. He always found a way to laugh and have a good time. He was very prideful with being a hardworking man and taking care of his family.
He married Vicki Louise Crawford on June 6, 1998, in Frederick County, Virginia. During special quiet times with his wife, he let her in on a side of him that was very special, tender, and loving. He would always say “if you have a good woman, you have favor of God”. Then he would follow that up with, “I got the best”. Their love was the kind of true love that only comes once in a lifetime. He would always share with her his very sweet and special nicknames like Honey, Sweetheart, Baby doll, and his favorite was Fox. They were simply soulmates.
Surviving with his wife of 21 years (23 years together) are his six children from his time before Vicki, several grandchildren, and several great grandchildren, one brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by one child and his sister.
A memorial service will be conducted August 31, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Back Creek Valley Full Gospel with Pastor Tom Snyder officiating. Their church will be serving a luncheon for a time of food and fellowship immediately after his memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in Donald’s memory may be made to Back Creek Valley Full Gospel Church, 131 Norman Silver Lane, Hedgesville, West Virginia 25427