Born in Houston, TX to Ignacio Mendez and Catarina Espinosa on October 7, 1938, Ignacio “Nash” Mendez Jr. was one of nine siblings – and the oldest of the three boys.
Nash’s life was characterized by hard work. His first paying job was at age 10 picking tomatoes with his family in Chicago, Illinois. He and his siblings worked, and their wages went to their father. He remembered his father bought a $500 TV with the tomato money. At age 12, the family returned to Texas, where they picked cotton. In 1955, at age 17, Nash began working for the Golden Age Soda company in Houston, TX. From there, he worked in Superior Manufacturing’s upholstery repair department before starting Abby Upholstery in 1966 with close friend Robert Lee Pinson; their company slogan was: “If your furniture is shabby, call Abby”. In 1974 he decided to go on his own, starting Nash Fine Upholstery. This would carry him through age 65 when his work life came to a close after he suffered a stroke.
Nash also played hard, earning the nickname, Jitterbug. Nash absolutely loved dancing and cold beer! He willingly contributed to many a quinceanera and wedding, knowing it would secure him an invitation – and an opportunity to show off his moves on the dance floor.
When asked once what he was the most proud of about his family, Nash said, “We’re natural born leaders.” He also prided himself on making decisions with his mother in mind during his childhood, saying he never wanted to disappoint her.
Often in the year before his death, he would sum his life up simply by saying, “I lived a good life. I had three great women that loved me, even with all my faults.”
Nash is preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Mendez and Catarina Espinosa Mendez; brothers: Domingo and Francisco “Frank” Mendez; sisters: Ofelia Davila, Adella Arroyo, Mary Villanueva, Rosie Guerra, and Guadalupe “Lupe” Corpus. He is survived by his youngest sister, Gloria Mata; his sons: Ignacio Mendez and wife Jennifer, Rene Mendez and wife Lisa; grandchildren: Laura, Meagan, Preston, Lauren, and Lainie; and great-grandchildren: Carlos, Chris, Leila, Avery, Paige, and Mercer; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ignacio “Nash” Mendez Jr.’s life ended unexpectedly on May 30, 2021. Although he was raised Catholic, he was Baptized in 2009 and spoke often of his relationship with God as something that gave him hope and peace as loved ones passed away and Dementia faded his memories. He would tell Rene how excited he was that when God called him home, he would be able to hug his mother again and be with all of his family.
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