Richard Ray Nash

He was preceded in death by his father, Emory C. Nash; mother, Mae Belle Nash; brother, Emory E. Nash; sister, Betty McKenzie; brother-in-law, Bill McKenzie; nephew, Alan Nash Mathews; and many other family members and friends.

Mayor Nash dedicated his life to the service of others culminating in a career spanning over half of a century involving law enforcement, volunteer fire, and emergency medical services. After beginning his journey as an officer for Talladega, he found his home in Altoona in the spring of 1975. His time with Altoona police department spanned 25 years, with 24 of those serving as chief of police. He later went on to run for mayor and lead the town in that capacity from 2004 until his death in 2025. Through those 50 years he spent countess long days and sleepless nights working to improve the town of Altoona and care for the residents of the place he held so dear. Arguably, the farthest -reaching accomplishment of his efforts was the establishment of AMED ambulance service. He had seen and experienced the negative outcomes of extended response times and wanted better for the community. A non-profit city owned EMS company, AMED was his answer to providing high-quality emergency care in a timely manner to the citizens of Altoona, and other neighboring communities. He was never “too tired”, “too busy”, or “off the clock” when it came to assisting anyone who needed it. Last Friday, he was able to do what he loved one last time, when he spent the day in the snow giving rides to stranded motorists, checking in on those who needed it, and patrolling the ice-covered roads he knew so well.

“Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love.” 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13. Rick Nash took this to heart. He not only surrounded himself with it but gave it back 10-fold. He wore many hats, but the title of “Pawpaw” was undeniably his most precious. He genuinely loved to take care of his family and friends. Having said that, he had no greater joy in this world than spoiling his grandchildren and great grandson with hugs and kept them smiling in any way he could. He spent more and more of his later years making all the memories with them that he could with his beloved wife of 49 years by his side.

His unyielding desire to make a difference in the world, and his love, will carry on in those survived by him; his wife, Patricia Nash; sons, Lance Nash (Mary) and Tony Nash (Christina); daughters, Rebecca Nash and Candice Tidwell (Scott); granddaughters, Taylor West (Nathan), Amber Nash, Hope Todd, Zoe Tidwell, Ada Tidwell, Piper Nash-Smith, and Emelia Tidwell; grandson, Tyler Nash; great grandsons, Nash West, Bentley Todd and Creed Todd; nephews, Bruce McKenzie (Janell) and Shane Nash (Tammie); great aunt, Penny Helms; and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and family members.

The family would like to recognize the precious men who unwaveringly stood with Rick until the very end; Johnny Grant (Vickie) and Connie Grant (Glenell).

Pallbearers will be Dewayne Waldrop, Eric Doran, Jimmy (Bubba) Woodard, Patrick Woodard, Brian Patton, Jamie Grant, Shane Grant, and Kyle Mayo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Morgan Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be held on January 18, 2025 at Altoona First Baptist Church with visitation starting at 10:30am until the time of the service. Graveside will be held at High Mound Baptist Church, 196 Teal Road, Horton AL.

Following the services the Altoona United Methodist Church will be accepting and providing a meal for the family.