Michaux Nash, Jr., passed away June 16th, 2021, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by family and loved ones. Michaux lived a full and vibrant life as a family man, hunter, collector, conservationist, civic leader and fourth generation banker. He was well known for his exuberance and friendly nature, always greeting anyone who crossed his path. Known as a devoted family man ,he loved his daily interactions with friends, customers and strangers. He was one of a kind and has moved on to the happy hunting fields of heaven.
Michaux, Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas, on the 20th of August ,1933, and was the oldest of two children of the late Joel (Waggoner) and Woodson Michaux Nash, Sr. Michaux grew up in Highland Park and had fond memories of riding his pony to Bradfield Elementary as a young boy. After a stint at Texas Country Day School, Michaux attended Highland Park High School, where he met his beloved wife, Eileen Ruebel. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in 1952 and attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He also lettered in track events with his favorite collegiate memory being the national AAU meet in St. Louis in 1954. He served as President of SAE fraternity, SMU senior class treasurer and eventually joined the ROTC, which led to his three years of service in the Air Force, receiving an Honorable Discharge as a Captain in 1959. He married his high school sweetheart after graduating from SMU and they were married 64 wonderful years.
Michaux’s banking career began while working for his father at Empire State Bank. An avid proponent of independent community banks, he served on the ICBA board and was President of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. His 56 years of banking culminated in his retirement as chairman and CEO of Dallas National Bank.
Michaux immersed himself in civic affairs, serving on boards for the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Zoo, the Nature Conservancy of Texas, Trinity River Authority and the Greater Dallas Crime Commission. He cherished his friends and memories as a member of Dallas Country Club, Coon Creek Club, Dallas Petroleum Club and Idlewild Club. He enjoyed serving in the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and SMU Alumni Board. He established the Dallas Woods and Waters Conservation Club with his father in 1961. He was also President of the Sportsman Club of Texas and the Texas Wildlife Foundation, eventually being awarded the coveted Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award in 1992.
An avid hunter and collector, he had many wonderful hunting and fishing trips with his family throughout North America, including his annual father/son white wing dove hunt. Michaux enjoyed reminiscing about his 1964 Baja sheep hunt where he earned his #44 ranking in the North American Sheep Grand Slam Club. He was well known for his unique and extensive collection of 254 Texas Sheriff Badges, which he collected from every single county over 30 years. He donated the collection to the SMU library.
Michaux is predeceased by his parents, his in-laws, Margaret and Spencer Ruebel, his sister, Linna Easley Edwards and his beloved son, Michaux, III, who passed at the age of 16. Nothing was more important to Michaux than his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Ruebel Nash and their children: Paige Eileen Nash; Noble Waggoner Nash and his wife Jennifer; and Joel Harper Nash of New York; his four grandchildren; Kelly Brown (and husband Parker), Michelle Nash, Megan Nash, Noble Nash, Jr., and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Ernest Abulala for his wonderful caretaking.
The family will gather for a private funeral service and interment. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5 until 7 pm on Tuesday, the 22nd of June, at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. in Dallas.
Memorial contributions may be directed to: Highland Park United Methodist Church; the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and Park Cities Quail Unlimited.
Please visit Mr. Nash’s online memorial tribute at www.sparkman-hillcrest.com where memories or condolences may be shared electronically with his family.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Southern Methodist University, Hillsman S. Jackson
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