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By C.Y. Peters

Born on June 4, 1941, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Jerry Nave’s life was steeped in the rich culture and traditions of Carter County. Growing up on the Nave family farm in the close-knit Siam community, Jerry’s childhood was a blend of hard work, faith, and family values. The farm taught him responsibility, while the community shaped his deep-rooted connections to his hometown and its people. A beloved son and brother, Jerry was one of five boys and quickly became known for his generosity, good-natured spirit, and genuine compassion for others. Together, Jerry and his family attended Siam Baptist Church, a place he always considered his spiritual home.

In 1958, Jerry graduated from Elizabethton High School, leaving behind a legacy as a devoted student and a well-liked young man. Pursuing his education, he attended King College, where he earned a degree in economics in 1962. During his college years, he was also an active member of the basketball and soccer teams. His time as an athlete at King set the stage for his eventual return to Carter County as an educator and coach, eager to guide the next generation of students both on and off the court.

In 1963, Jerry began what would become a 51-year career in the Carter County Schools system, starting as a teacher and coach at Hampton High School. He taught math and economics, subjects he approached with the same enthusiasm he carried in every aspect of his life. His students quickly recognized his sincere commitment to their success, not only academically but as individuals with bright futures. As the assistant basketball coach to the legendary Walter “Buck” VanHuss, Jerry learned the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and resilience. From 1967 to 1971, he took over as head basketball coach, where his impact grew even stronger. His players thrived under his guidance, learning valuable life lessons about hard work, humility, and self-discipline.

Throughout his coaching years, Jerry wasn’t just shaping athletes—he was building men of character. Former players recall his patience, his belief in their potential, and his habit of pushing them to be their best. He saw sports as an extension of life, with each game, practice, and challenge on the court providing lessons in teamwork, respect, and endurance. Lifelong relationships blossomed under his mentorship, with former players often returning to share how his teachings had influenced their lives far beyond basketball.

Though he stepped away from coaching, Jerry’s service to Carter County schools didn’t end. He took on the role of maintenance supervisor before eventually becoming the transportation supervisor, a position he held for the majority of his career. Overseeing the logistics of transportation for the entire school system, Jerry brought the same diligence and attention to detail that he had shown in the classroom and on the court. For him, each task was an opportunity to make a difference, and he treated his responsibilities with the utmost care and respect.

Jerry’s influence extended well beyond the walls of Hampton High School. His faith played a central role in his life, leading him to serve in several roles within his churches. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Hampton First Baptist Church and later at Union Baptist Church. Through his faith-based work, Jerry touched countless lives, becoming a beacon of kindness and understanding for those around him. Whether leading a Sunday school class or offering words of comfort to those in need, his compassion was unwavering. His faith wasn’t something he merely spoke about—it was something he lived, day in and day out.

Outside of his professional and spiritual life, Jerry found joy in the simpler pleasures of life. A skilled cook, he was known for whipping up delicious meals that brought people together. He was also an avid outdoorsman who delighted in taking walks in the woods, fishing, frog hunting, and tending to his garden. Farming remained a passion, as he tended cattle and horses on the family farm and grew tobacco for many years. His garden, a masterpiece of dedication and patience, was a source of pride, and he shared its bounty with friends and family.

On Oct. 28, 2024, Carter County lost one of its most cherished individuals. The news of Jerry’s passing was met with a wave of heartfelt memories from all who had known him. A life that had been marked by unwavering dedication to others, Jerry’s legacy is one of kindness, selflessness, and a profound commitment to the people and community he held dear. His impact endures in the lives of those he touched, from the students and athletes he mentored to the church members he guided and the friends and family he loved.

Coach Jerry Nave’s legacy is more than his years of service or the trophies his teams won. It’s in the lives he enriched, the faith he shared, and the example he set for all who knew him. In Carter County, he will always be remembered as a man of integrity, a dedicated coach and educator, and a friend to everyone he met—a true pillar of the community.