John Roy Nash

John Roy Nash, 98, passed away early Monday morning, November 2, 2026. He was born on December 15, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Albert Theodore Nash and Clara Derbyshire. Raised in Salt Lake City, John later graduated from West High School. He later married Ada LaRae Grundy on December 23, 1952. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple. They were married for 66 years, and John made the Taylorsville 8th Ward his home for 63 years.

Following high school, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War occupation from 1947 – 1956. He recently took the “Honor Flight,” travelling to the D.C. area where he was the recipient of the highest medal of honor awarded at the Korean War Memorial, presented by the Korean Ambassador to the United States. That was a major highlight for him, at ninety-eight years old. While in the Air Force, he earned an Engineering degree and many other medals of honor.

John was an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as the ward or stake financial clerk for 38 straight years – 8 consecutive bishops. He was a dedicated servant and took his church callings very seriously. He also worked as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple. While juggling his church callings, hobbies, and interests, he took impeccable care of his disabled, wheelchair-bound wife for over twenty-two years. Prior to giving up most of his hobbies to support his kids’ interests and wife’s disability, he was one of the top bowlers in the state of Utah, rolling a couple of perfect 300 games during his bowling career. He also held a low handicap and was an excellent golfer. He loved and had a passion for coaching youth sports. He coached in the Taylorsville youth baseball program for eight years, and then coached at Taylorsville High School in the Automotive Summer Baseball Program, with his son, for five years from 1984 – 1989.

But anyone who knew John knew of his passion and dedication to his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids! John’s family was his life. He loved to support them in all their activities, and he’s been known to brag a little about their successes and accolades. There was never a prouder grandpa or bigger fan at any of his grandkids’ sporting events. He never missed a baseball, volleyball, or football game through his grandkids' high school careers. If it meant travelling long distances, it didn’t matter; he was in attendance with his wife! John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, while making lasting memories. There was never a question of his love and support for them. He had numerous “sayings” that would put a smile on his grandkids' faces or even leave them laughing.

And It’s no secret that “Uncle Johnny” was the favorite uncle for most of his nieces and nephews. He had a sense of humor, loved playing games, attend family gatherings, family reunions, family vacations and family dinners. He was a great influence on those who knew him.

He is survived by his son Glen (Tammy) Nash, daughter Beki (Reggie) Heath, beloved grandchildren; Garrett (Julianne) Nash, Whitney (Philip) Houser, Colton (Moriah) Nash, Tayvious Hicks, six beloved great-grandchildren; Paityn, Kamden, Jaycie, Easton, Calvin, and Delilah. He was also preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and twin great-grandchildren Boone and Finn Houser.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 14th 2026, at 12:00 noon, at the Taylorsville 8th Ward, at 1495 W Tamarack Rd (4630 S), Taylorsville, Utah. Friends may call at this location on Saturday morning from 10:30 – 11:45 am prior to the funeral services. Interment: Tuesday, November 17th, 11:00 am at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park (Camp Williams).

The family would like to thank and share their appreciation for Ability Home Health Care and all their nurses, med techs, aides, and social workers for taking such good care of John during this past year prior to his passing. The family would also like to thank the Alta Ridge Assisted Living staff for the compassionate care they have provided these past five weeks prior to John’s passing. We are also grateful to the neighbors and ward members who served John so kindly and looked after him for many years while he lived at home.