Leonard Ray Nash

On a snowy day in Springfield, Ohio, Heaven sent Leonard Ray Nash to begin his Christian journey. Leonard was the last male child born to Robert and Mabel Nash. He received Christ at a very young age at Second Baptist of Springfield, Ohio. After graduating from Springfield Sr. High in 1952 his love for travel inspired him to enlist in the United States Navy. Later, he relocated to San Diego, California. Leonard had difficulty finding a church home so he called his Mother for help. His mother told him to look for a Second Baptist Church because there is one in every city. He soon found Linda Vista Second Baptist Church and made it his church home. There he proudly laid the spiritual bricks that helped build the foundation of a church where the family still worships to this day. During the same time he was searching for a church home he met and married the love of his life Lebeth Crawford whom he cherished and loved for 56 years. This union was blessed with three children, Cynthia, Michael Sr., and Barbara. He later became a founding member of Philadelphia Baptist under the direction of Pastor Rev. Herman King who was also his Brother-in-Law. Eventually, Leonard returned to Linda Vista Second Baptist serving as a “Door Keeper” for his Lord. The only time he didn’t wear a tie to church was when Pastor declared Summer casual. Leonard’s shoes always shined. God, family, community, and sports was always the order of his life. His love for the youth of Linda Vista inspired him to help bring the first Black teacher to teach Black History at Kearny High. Leonard also helped the youth get city jobs and he was the Director of the teen post. As a Boy Scout Master he took his troop to the Grand Canyon were they earned their swimming badge by hiking to the bottom of the canyon and swimming in the Colorado River. Leonard was a die hard Laker’s and Charger’s fan. He was able to fulfill one of his bucket list two weeks ago by going to the Staple Center for the first time. In his past he attended the second ever home game of the Chargers at Balboa Stadium and continued as a season ticket holder. His loving legacy will be carried on by his daughters Cynthia and Barbara and son Michael Sr. Grandchildren Michael Jr. (Glory), LaKrisha, Jordan. Great Grand-Children; Cierra, Mikayla, Dejah, Amari, Jada. Godson; Roshawn Brady all of San Diego, Ca. Sisters; Winifred Horton, Faith Jackson: Brothers Robert and Donald Nash. Brother and Son in Christ Nate Reed and Stuart Jacobs. Devoted spiritual sister and neighbor Mary Caldwell. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins, usher ministry, Men’s Power class and spiritual friends of Linda Vista Second Baptist.