Leland Ray Nash

Leland Ray Nash, 72 a longtime resident of Vidor and proud Vietnam veteran and former member of the United States Army, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his beloved family on Thursday, July 20, 2017.  Born January 16, 1945 to Claude Benjamin and Alene Brown Nash, he was a native of Mt Carmel in Tyler County.  Capitalizing on the skills he learned during his time of service, Ray forged a career in mechanics. Employed by Tri Supply Company for over fifteen years he would retire as the supervisor and lead mechanic of the Heavy Equipment Shop at Briggs Equipment in Beaumont. Ray was an avid drag racing enthusiast and loved building and painting drag racing and hot rod vehicles. His knowledge of the world of mechanics could rival the skills of the best! Among friends and family, Ray was known as “The Best Catfish Fryer in Texas” although according to him anyone could fry fish if they just used the right oil! A self-taught guitar player, Ray could play any musical instrument presented to him. When Ray wasn’t working he enjoyed gathering a group of friends to play guitars while singing rhythm and blues, gospel, rock and their favorite old country songs. Friends and family, young and old enjoyed dancing and singing along while anxiously waiting for Ray to sing everyone’s favorite tune, “Elvira!”

As much as Ray loved his family and hobbies, nothing compared to the love and fierce devotion he held for his wife of 50 years, Judy.  Head over heels and in love at first sight, Ray proposed to Judy and together they built a home, one board at a time while raising three children; of whom Ray was the most proud.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Benjamin and Alene Brown Nash; brothers, Mack, Gordon, Paul and James Nash; and sister, Thelma Maltese.  Ray is survived by his wife, Judy Irene (Rogers) Nash of Vidor; son, Jim Nash and daughter in law, Dolores of Mauriceville; daughter, Toni McLeod-Schultz and son in law, Dave of Fort Worth; and son, Will Nash of Vidor; grandchildren, Brandon Claude, Brooke Ashley, Breanne Nicole, James Logan and Celina Shay; great grandchildren, Cayson Wayne and Cameron Lee; sisters, Jerry Allen and Marie Winters; and sisters in law, Rusty Eastwood and Jean Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at Lumberton Family Funeral Home in Lumberton, Texas. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  A memorial service will be held Wednesday July 26, 2017 at 10:00am with graveside service to follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Vidor, Texas.