James E. Naftel

James Ernest Naftel (Jim) age 94, of Nashville passed away on April 7, 2018. Born August 29, 1923 to Dr. James Ernest Naftel Sr. and Daisy Bell Naftel of Bessemer, Alabama. James is predeceased by his parents and grandson, Michael Burton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rebecca Bailey Naftel (Becky), daughter Nancy Naftel Burton and son-in-law Jerry Burton of West Bloomfield, Michigan; son, James Mark Naftel and daughter –in-law Margaret (Margie) Naftel of Nashville; grandchildren Natalie Naftel and James W. Naftel; Sister Carolyn Naftel Powell of Boone, North Carolina; niece Mary Powell Williams and nephew, Bill Powell.

He was reared in Bessemer, Alabama and was a veteran of World War II. Jim served in the 76th Infantry Division in Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground combat. He graduated from Auburn University in 1948 where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and the Auburn Band. He was employed by Southern Bell and South Central Bell for 37 years and held various management positions in Birmingham, Atlanta, Knoxville and Nashville.

He was operations Manager for Rates and Regulatory Matters when he retired. Jim was a longtime member of Brentwood Country Club and served as a Board Member and as chairman of the pool committee for several years. He was very interested in his children’s and grandchildren’s swimming activities and swim team competition. He swam laps almost daily and continued to play golf for many years. Jim was an avid Auburn football fan and was a member of the Auburn Alumni Association and the Golden Rule Bible Study Class at Woodmont Baptist Church. He was a loving, caring husband, father and grandfather that was treasured by his family.

Visitation with family will be at Woodlawn- Roesch-Patton funeral home Monday April 9 from 4-6 PM at 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Graveside Service will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park Tuesday April 10, at 10 AM, services will be conducted by Nathan Parker of Woodmont Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Massachusetts General Memorial Fund set up in Memory of their grandson Michael Burton to research ROS1 mutation of Lung Cancer here MGH Development Attention: Carrie Powers125 Nashua Street Boston, MA 02114-9996 James E. Naftel Memorial Fund or Alive Hospice, Nashville, or the Woodmont Baptist Church Music Program, Nashville.