- Date Of Birth: April 30, 1942
- Date Of Death: September 3, 2013
- State: California
Mr. Nash passed away peacefully at a local hospital. He is the husband of Betty Nash and the father of Erecca Nash-Thomas and Lykai Nash-Johnson..
Viewing is Tuesday, September 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mortuary.
SUNRISE
On a beautiful day, April 30, 1942, God special delivered a beautiful baby boy, Billy O’Neil Nash, to Monroe Samuel Nash, Sr. and Bennie Lee Nash. There was also a big brother waiting to receive him, this was his oldest brother, John. Walter and Monroe Jr. later joined him. This all took place in Houston, Texas. Bill received his early education in Houston. The family relocated to sunny San Diego, California in 1958.
Upon completion of high school, Bill joined his cousin, Johnny Nash as his road manager. He toured all over the world with Johnny. This was very interesting and exciting for him, exposing him to many different cultures. This also led to Bill becoming a songwriter for some major groups. In 1964, as things were going good, Bill received a letter from the infamous “Uncle Sam” saying “The draft is calling you for duty!” He served his country very honorably in the U. S. Army. Most of his duty was spent in Europe. He received honors as an Expert Sharp Shooter and received an honorable discharge in 1967.
Bill accepted Christ at an early age in Houston, Texas. After relocating to San Diego, he joined Mt.
Bill loved working in the yard gardening. He was always planting new trees. He loved looking for something rare to plant. He found a tree that produced four different fruits and he was really proud of this!
In 1967, Bill united in marriage with June Hemphill. To this union he was blessed with his beautiful daughter, Erecca. He was there to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day and there when she gave birth to both of her children. This was a real highlight in his life. A later marriage blessed him with a beautiful baby girl, LyKai. Just recently God blessed him to be there to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. He was definitely a proud father with both daughters completing college; this was something he instilled in them.
In 1999, Bill married his forever friend, Betty Jean Ethridge. They first met upon his moving to San Diego. They were a close-knit couple; you never saw one without the other.
Together they brought their children together as one loving blended family. Betty’s children loved Bill as if he was their father and Bill’s daughters loved Betty the same. Bill made a commitment to his stepchildren’s father before his passing, that he would take care of them like they were his own.
SUNSET
In the early morning on September 3, 2013, God set a special angel to deliver Bill to Him in His eternal home called Heaven. His assignment was complete here on earth. God needed someone to help Him with His garden in heaven. Bill leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Betty Nash; daughters, Erecca Nash-Thomas (Jason), LyKai Nash-Johnson (Matthew); mother, Bennie L. Nash; brother, Walter Nash (Juanita); sister in heart, Myrna Anderson; stepdaughters, Donna Wiley and Paula Artis; step-sons, Daryl Artis, Samaji Akili and Michael Akili; grandchildren, Trent Nash Thomas, Troi Nash Thomas, Rodney Hills, Shanequa Smith, Vernon Coleman, Brittany Jordan, Jazmyne Wiley, Keeko Sinegal, Kristyana Nance, Daryl Artis II, Rayna Artis and Destany Artis; one great-granddaughter, Jordyn House; sister-in-law, Shahidah Madyun (Bakir); brothers-in-law, James Ethridge, Art Ethridge (Angela), Henry Tyler (Gloria); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
ARRIVAL IN HEAVEN
Bill was greeted in Heaven by his father, Monroe Samuel Nash, Sr.; brothers, John R. Nash and Monroe S. Nash, Jr. What a reunion that must have been!
