Charles M. Nash, Jr. - Obituary

harles M. Nash Jr., affectionately known as “Charlie,” passed away peacefully near his home in Sherwood Forest on February 6, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on January 15, 1934, in Washington, DC, Charlie was the eldest son of Charles M. Nash Sr. and Doris Heaton. He was raised in Bethesda, Maryland, alongside his siblings, Patricia and Heaton. A family with deep roots in the Washington area, Charlie took great pride in his heritage, particularly the contributions of his grandfather, an architect who played a key role in the design of the National Cathedral. His upbringing was enriched by the spiritual community at St. Albans Church. Charlie graduated from the Capital Page School in 1952. While living and attending school in Washington, DC, Charlie cherished the summers he spent in Annapolis, Maryland. His father began taking the family there when Charlie was a child, and the family eventually found their permanent summer home in Sherwood Forest in the 1940s. They later purchased a cottage on the Severn River in the early 1950s, and many years later, Charlie and his wife, Colette, renovated it into their dream home. This peaceful retreat became the place where he would retire and spend over 30 tranquil years with Colette. Surrounded by water and nature, he found joy in hosting family gatherings and savoring quiet moments on the deck. An adventurer at heart, Charlie's passions for flying and sailing shaped much of his life. He earned his pilot’s license before obtaining his driver’s license, beginning his flying adventures at Lee Airport in Annapolis. He was particularly fond of flying along the Severn River, and his love for sailing matched his enthusiasm for the skies. Charlie’s military service began with a ROTC Air Force scholarship to Gettysburg College, where he also played soccer and joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. Upon graduating in 1956 and completing his training, Charlie was stationed in Chaumont, France. He flew C-130s all over the world and met the love of his life, Colette Suzanne Mautuez, while stationed there. They married in 1959 in Marault, France, and soon started a family. They had their first two children, Chris in England and Michele in Dover, DE, while Charlie was still active in the Air Force. Tina and Steve followed a few years later, both born in Washington, DC. After leaving active duty in 1964, Charlie transitioned to the Air Force Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1979. He was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal for Merit. Following his military career, Charlie took over the family business, Nash Floors, known for its wood flooring craftsmanship. Under his leadership, the business completed high-profile projects, including flooring work at the White House and historic Mount Vernon. Charlie was also active in the floor covering industry, serving as President of the Maryland Floor Covering Association. He worked alongside his children—Chris, Steve, and Tina—until the company closed in 2020. A longtime member of the Rotary Club, Charlie served as President of the North Bethesda chapter, where his commitment to service and community shone through. Much later, he volunteered at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport, where, as a Pathfinder, he was known for helping complete strangers navigate the airport. His greatest joy was attending Welcome Home ceremonies for returning troops, greeting them with loud cheers, and offering warm welcomes to all travelers. Charlie’s boundless curiosity and kindness made him a friend to all he met, and he was known for his genuine interest in others. In addition to his love of flying, sailing, and family, Charlie was marked by a quiet strength, loyalty, and deep devotion to home and country. His adventurous spirit, unwavering love for his family, and commitment to his community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Colette; his sister, Patricia Lewers; his sister-in-law, Monique Chambers; his children: Chris and his wife Barbara, Michele, Tina and her husband Darren, and Steve and his wife Melissa; his nine grandchildren: Rob, Megan, Katy, Remy, Christian, Camden, Cole, Carson, and Hayden; and his great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Lily, Abbi, Thomas, Brayden, and James, all of whom lovingly referred to him as “Gramps.” He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Crownsville, Maryland, on February 21, 2025, at noon, followed by a reception at Stewart Hall in Sherwood Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherwood Forest Boys and Girls Camp, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405 in his memory.