Leo Nash Vickers entered into eternity in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on August 25, 2021 after a long illness. Nash was born Oct 29, 1943 in Little Rock, Ark. to Leo Cobb Vickers and Lucille Virginia Nash Vickers. Nash’s family moved to Iuka, Ms. when he was 8 years old, and he graduated from Iuka High School. Nash’s parents planted into his heart the traits of character, integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.
Nash received two BS degrees (Political Science then Accounting) from Mississippi State University and enjoyed rooting for the Bulldogs the rest of his life. Between the two periods of study, Nash served in the Navy aboard Aircraft Carrier USS America during the Vietnam War. Flag and country stirred his heart ever after.
In 1971 after graduation from MSU, Nash moved to Memphis, TN. His early career was with Federal Compress for whom he audited their satellite compresses throughout the US.
While an active member of Christ Church in Memphis, Nash answered God’s call to serve as a missionary with General Board of Global Ministries, New York, NY. His first assignment was in Congo, Africa, for 7 years as Conference Treasurer. For an additional 18 years, Nash worked for GBGM at mission sites in Africa, Asia, South America, India, and Russia with a heart to reach the least, the last and the lost. Nash met heroes of our Christian faith and made many life-long friends from across the globe.
When war broke out in Congo in 1991, Nash took a one-year study sabbatical in Memphis. There, Nash met Donna at Christ Church. After his sabbatical, Nash was transferred to GBGM’s NY headquarters for 2.5 years. Nash returned to Memphis in 1995 and married Donna in October. Nash welcomed 2 college-age daughters, Brandi and Brooke, and later a new son-in-law, Brady, then the lights of his life, grandchildren, Alyssa, Avri, and Cason. Nash and Donna enjoyed hiking and traveling near and far for 26 years of marriage. Upon retirement from GBGM in 2010, Nash and Donna relocated to Collierville, TN to be near their grandchildren.
Nash also leaves his beloved sister, Lynn Vickers Ferrell, brother-in-law, John; niece and nephew Alicia and John, as well as four great nieces and nephews.
To further the work in Congo, memorials may be mailed to GBGM/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, NY, NY 10087-9068 designated for: Advance #3021401 Kisangani Mission Station or Advance #3021930 Kivu Evangelism. Or contribute online at: umcmission.org and donate through the Advance using one of the Advance numbers shown above.
A visitation for Leo will be held Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Collierville Funeral Home, 534 West Poplar, Collierville, TN 38017, followed by a memorial service from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Vickers family.
