Dr. Robert Thornton (Bob) Nash

Bob was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio where he attended The Ohio State University earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in electrical engineering. He was a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Technology, Emeritus; Professor of Management of Technology, Emeritus; and Professor of Engineering Science, Emeritus at Vanderbilt University from 1966 to 2002 where he taught undergraduate and graduate level classes and performed research focusing on technology, innovation, and productivity.

Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army reserve for 34 years as a field artillery officer. He received the Meritorious Service Medal upon his retirement from the Army Reserve with the rank of Colonel in 1982.

Bob was a philanthropist, using his brotherhood with the Freemasons to contribute to many causes. He was a member of the Corinthian Lodge #414, F. &A.M., and a York Rite Mason having served as Excellent High Priest of Cumberland Chapter #1 R.A.M. He also served as Illustrious Master of Nashville Council #1 Cryptic Masons and Eminent Commander of Nashville Commandery #1 Knights Templar. In addition, Bob was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Bob was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He traced his ancestry back to Major Benjamin Tupper who was an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary war. He was also a member of the Southern Star Investors Association; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; and a member of West End United Methodist Church.

Bob enjoyed reading, especially histories of the American Revolutionary War. He enjoyed college sports, especially the football and basketball programs of his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. He enjoyed eating a good meal with family and friends, (and at Holiday meals, always tried to eat more turkey than his son-in-law Michael, who is almost twice Bob’s size). After retirement, he and his loving wife of 57 years, Frances, enjoyed driving around the country in their custom van seeing the sights and having fun.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Thornton Nash; father, Simeon Nash; elder brother, Simeon; and sister, Mary. Bob is survived by his wife, Frances Nash; Son Whitney Nash of Nashville, TN; daughter, Suzanne Nash and husband Brad Sweeney of Denver, CO; and daughter Adrienne Franklin and husband Michael Franklin of Nashville, TN.

Bob will be greatly missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held on August 22, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Avenue. A funeral service will be held on August 23, 2016 at 11am at West End United Methodist Church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charitable organization of choice.