NASH SR., CHARLES DURHAM (1924 ~ 2011). The following is an obituary published upon the death of Charles Nash Sr., a former member of the Public Safety Commission. The obituary was provided by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home.
Charles Durham Nash departed this life peacefully on March 28, 2011. The second of three sons, he was born in Waco, Texas on February 25, 1924 to Lucille Durham and John Harvey Nash. Charles grew up in Austin, Texas where his family operated a DeSoto dealership and later formed Capitol Chevrolet in 1935. After proudly earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduating from Austin High School, he entered Texas A&M University. With the onset of World War II, he enlisted in the Army Infantry, where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Following military service, he attended the Chevrolet Post Graduate School of Merchandising and Management and returned to the dealership in 1947, spending his remaining years as Chairman of the Board of Capitol Chevrolet, having been honored for over 50 years of service. As Charles invested in dealerships in Texas and New Mexico, he is credited for allowing opportunities for young dealers to succeed and acquire their own businesses.
His volunteer leadership was widespread as he served as Chairman of the Texas Aviation Board, Chairman and Commissioner of Texas Public Safety Commission, Chairman of the Board of Texas Automobile Dealers Association, President of the Headliners Club of Austin and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of Austin Chamber of Commerce, Director of Austin Jaycees, Director of Austin YMCA, Fleet Admiral of Austin Admirals Club ,Director of Austin National Bank, Director of First Republic Bank, Trustee of United Fund of Austin, Trustee of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Honorary Member of Texas 4-H and FFA, Member of Austin Planning and Zoning Council, Chairman of Austin Inaugural Committee, a Member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Austin, and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Charles enjoyed raising registered Quarter Horses and Cattle. He is well remembered among friends for his love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but his real passion was building. With a keen eye and appreciation for fine art, Charles fulfilled his love of design with the acquisition and challenging restoration of the original train depot in Kyle, Texas. He moved the depot, track and caboose to his farm and years later returned these to their original location as a gift to the city of Kyle. His enthusiasm continued as he spent several years in Santa Fe, New Mexico remodeling a home and creating an Auto Mall. He later built a ranch house in Pumpville, Texas and his most recent creation and love was his ranch in Batesville, Texas. His happiest days were spent building and designing many projects in which he found both pride and enjoyment.
Charles leaves behind his beloved wife and partner, Dorothy Moore Nash. She and her dashing Lieutenant spent 63 wonderful years traveling and collecting all over the world. Seldom apart, they enjoyed a life full of excitement, evidenced when Charles was selected to carry the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics or his quest and final achievement of the Grand Slam of North American Sheep.
His greatest legacy leaves behind his devoted and loving children; Nancy Nash Harper and Charles Durham Nash, Jr. (Chuck) of San Marcos, Texas, and wife, Elizabeth.
Known affectionately as “Bobba”, he will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: T. Harper and wife, Taylor, Will Harper and wife Mary, Anne Nash Davies and husband Jarrett, Katherine Nash Goehring and husband Jody, and Caroline Nash Smith and husband Brian, and two great grandchildren; Flora Harper and Ashton Davies and several loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and John Nash, and brothers, John H. Nash, Jr., and E. Reuel Nash.
Charles and Dorothy became devoted members of the Tarrytown United Methodist Church where a memorial service and celebration of Charles’ life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30th.
Memorials may be made on his behalf to:
Tarrytown Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX 78703; Settlement Home for Children, 1600 Payton Gin Road, Austin, TX 78758; Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751; Headliner’s Club Foundation, 221 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 or a charity of your choice.
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