Joe Murray Nall's Obituary
Joe Murray Nall, 97, of Dallas, TX, passed away peacefully into the Gates of Heaven on December 10, 2024, in his home at Presbyterian Village North. He was born in the Nall family home at 506 West Front Street, Tyler, TX, on August 2, 1927. The youngest of five boys, his older brothers nicknamed him “Joe Beef”. The entire Nall family was active at First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, TX.
He leaves his daughters: Marilyn Lake (Robert) of Overland Park, KS, and Kathryn Nall of Kusel, Germany. He also leaves his two grandchildren: Justin Lake (Harrisonville, MO) and Rebecca King (Corbin) of Prairie Village, KS. But the light of his life were his two great grandsons: Kooper Lake (Harrisonville, MO) and Callum King (Prairie Village, KS). They will miss their Papa Joe/Papo.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose Marie Martin Nall in 2012 (Rosie/Mama Ree), and baby Carolyn Nall in 1960.
Joe was active even as an adult in the Boy Scouts of America. He received his Eagle Scout Award in 1943, and was awarded many other honors throughout the years, including God and Country as well as the Silver Beaver Award. He informed his daughters that they could only date Boy Scouts and could only marry an Eagle Scout! Many a family vacation was taken to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He became a fixture in his daughters’ Girl Scout troops and often helped out with camping activities.
In 1951, Joe earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas. He and his young wife then moved to Bartlesville, OK, where he worked for the Phillips Petroleum Company. He was active in the Lion’s Club and the First Presbyterian Church. By 1958, he had begun work for the City of Dallas and soon served in the capacity of Supervisor of Public Utilities until 1970. He was an Elder at Northridge Presbyterian Church, where he remained active until his passing. He was also active at Grace Bible Church, Dallas, TX.
Joe was involved in the Toastmaster’s Club (so he could really give a speech and tell a story!), and the Corinthian Sailing Club (with Sunfish, Corinthians, and his favorite sailboat, the Rebel) on White Rock Lake, and he became a Gentleman Farmer in 1981 when he built Joe’s Barn on some acreage in McKinney, TX. His grandchildren loved the farm, including the loft where they got to sleep, and the zip line he built across the creek, and the fish he stocked in his pond, lovingly called Lake Justin. He also named the picnic ground Rebecca State Park in honor of granddaughter Rebecca.
He was in private practice as a Consulting Civil Engineer for 35 years with Nall and Associates. He was President of the Engineer’s Club in Dallas, he was President of the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, as well as the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. He was involved in Dolph Briscoe’s successful bid for Governor of Texas in 1973.
At Presbyterian Village North he organized the Men’s Kaffee Klatch and was heavily involved in the Dog Park and the July 4th Dog Parade.
The family would like to thank the following folks for their loving care: Presbyterian Village North, The Chuck Hendricks Family, Ingrid (housekeeper), Fabiola (caregiver), Cathy from Sunrise Health Care, Skyla from Three Oaks Hospice, and the nurses from Right At Home, especially Queenie.
Above all else, Joe loved the Lord with his whole heart, and he had a few unforgettable quotes:
“Oatmeal every day.”
“A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent” (Scout Law)
“Calm and steady intensity counts for progress.”
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
The Graveside service will be at 3:00pm on Friday, Dec.20,2024, at Restland, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX.
The Memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Memorials may be made to Northridge Presbyterian Church, 6900 Bob-O-Link Dr., Dallas, TX 75214.
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