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- ‘Nick’ Nave - MOUNTAIN HOME
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 Nicholas “Nick” Decatur Nave, 82, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2005, at the V.A. Nursing Home Care Unit in Johnson City, TN, after a long, hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born September 1, 1923, in Carter Co., TN, he was the oldest of fourteen children born to Vada Trixie Grindstaff and James Miff Nave, both of whom predeceased Nick. Also preceding him in death were his wife of sixty years, Dorothy Vee Johnson Nave; brothers, Marvin, Jimmy, Andy; and an infant sister. Surviving are three daughters and their families: Tondalayo (Tonda) N. Strong and husband, Wayne, Toumonava N. Nelson and husband, Montie, and Yolanda Nave. Grandchildren and spouses are Derryl Strong and wife, Rebecca, Emily Strong and fiancé, Steve Danner, Jennifer Robinson and husband, Tim, and Michael Milhorn II. Nick leaves five great grandchildren: Kavita MacDonald Strong, Sasha Strong, Nelson Elliott, Hailey Robinson and Ryleigh Milhorn. He is also survived by nine brothers and sisters: Al Nave (WA), Jesse Nave (TX), Ronnie Nave, Melba Roark, Dorothy Vee Horne, Hannah Fair, Lee Grills (all from TN), Nancy White (FL) and Dean Nave (SC). Nick Nave attended and played football for Elizabethton High School. He later earned his GED. Nick was a veteran of World War II, serving as a ship’s cook and gunner in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Maui in the Philippines. He liked to refer to himself as a soldier in the Lord’s army, rank of slave and servant, with duties of singing in the choir and soul winning. After serving in grocery retail sales, he owned and managed Dutch Boy Restaurant and Nick’s Restaurant and Catering. Many people knew him as “The Chicken Man.” After selling Nick’s in 1989, he worked as a Wal-Mart greeter in Bristol. Until his retirement from the City of Kingsport Transportation Division, he proudly drove the Jitney for the city and for special events (alcohol free First Nights, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Kingsport Police Dept., Hope Haven Mission, Salvation Army Church, weddings and many churches). He was a faithful servant of the Lord. As a charter member of Tri-Cities Baptist Church, he served in the choir and as a greeter. Most notably, he was a consistent soul-winner all his adult life. When anyone asked him, “How are you, Nick?” he would answer either, “SAVED, how are you?” or “If I was any better I couldn’t stand it.” He enjoyed hobbies of fishing, boating and horseshoes, but work and witnessing were his highest priorities. He lived to win the lost to Jesus Christ. He studied the Bible every day, once made a mission trip to Mexico and always handed out tracts and New Testaments wherever he went. He supported and held a special affinity for Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home. The family will receive friends at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St. in Kingsport from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2005. Services will be conducted at Tri-Cities Baptist Church, 171 Promise Land Dr, Gray, TN at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, with Rev. Arden Taylor officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral service. At Nick’s request the gospel message will be presented. Burial with military honors will follow at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens, 2630 Highway 75 (Airport Road), Blountville. Pallbearers are Derryl Strong, Michael Milhorn II, David Lawhead, Clarence Hobbs, Gary Coates, Alan Fulcher, Gary Fulcher and Tim Robinson. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Chandler, Bill Herndon, Dr. Paul Borisuk, Hank Green and Cecil Laws. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the kind, loving, caring staff at the V.A. Nursing Home Care Unit for their “above and beyond” service to Nick and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home, c/o Rosa Emma Honeycutt, 1528 Vance Tank Rd, Bristol, TN 37620.
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1923 - 2005 (82 years)
