JOHN NASH

A universally respected labor leader in Tyler whose accomplishments helped working people across the state, John Nash served for 30 years as the president of his union local (first, the Rubber Workers, then the Steelworkers) at Goodyear’s Kelly Springfield plant in Tyler. Nash is credited with helping persuade management to convert from bias tires to radial tires in the mid-1980s, saving more than 1000 jobs in East Texas. He was instrumental in organizing a plant scholarship program that has helped hundreds of area students. During this time, he was an officer in the Smith County Central Labor Council and served in many capacities in the Texas AFL-CIO. 

Nash became known to working people across the state when he became their advocate on the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission under a law that titles against working people. In tandem with fellow Labor Hall of Famer O.D. Kenemore. Nash fought hard for the rights of injured workers and often prevailed. 

Nash’s passion for helping others went well beyond organized labor. He led programs that sponsored softball and gold leagues, food banks, chili cookouts and delivery of gifts to those less fortunate. He remains an active leader in the labor movement and his community.