Robert Nathan Nix

     Robert Nathan Nix, age 52, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away at 4:40 PM at Methodist University Hospital on Thursday, September 11, 2024.

     Nathan was born on July 31, 1972, in Paducah, Kentucky to Robert “Bobby” and Gretel (Babb) Nix. He met his husband, Chris Short on May 11, 1991, and they have been together for 33 years and 4 months. Nathan was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Memphis. He earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in oboe performance from University of Memphis. He earned his Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida and his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Nathan was president of the Memphis Federation of Musicians Local 71 of Memphis, Tennessee. Oboe was his primary instrument, but he played all the reed instruments. He taught Pre-K through 8th grade Orff, choir and general music at St. Paul Catholic School and formerly at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Memphis. He performed on the oboe and English horn in the Jackson Symphony in Jackson, Tennessee; Nathan was also a reed player for the Theatre Memphis and Playhouse on the Square. He also performed on double reeds on the North American and Canadian tour of the The King and I, Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Elf, and Beauty and the Beast musicals.

     Nathan is survived by his husband Chris Short, mother Gretel Craig and husband David, father, Robert Nix and wife Cheryl; three sisters, Cheslie Jo Crowley and husband Stacy, Lacey Raye Barnhill and husband Jeremy, and Heather Pegram and husband Shane; two brothers, BJ Lampley and wife Jessi and David D. Craig and wife Janet; seven nephews, Brinson Ibendhl, Remington Barnhill, Fox Barnhill, Cannon Barnhill, Isaac Lampley, and Judah Lampley, three nieces, Reese Lampley, Drew Lampley, and Ellie Lampley; two aunts, Deirdre Allbritten and husband Odell, and Leah Laird and husband Donnie; uncle Jimmy Nix and wife Barb; and several cousins, friends, and co-workers.

     Nathan was preceded in death by his grandparents Ray Vernon and Irma (Prior) Babb and James Ike and Ruby Kay Nix, uncle Terry Ray Babb, aunt Lucinda (Nix) Smock, and cousin Richie Sparks.

    A memorial service for Robert Nathan Nix will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois. Brother Richard Morgan will officiate with BJ Lampley assisting. Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Stricklin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scholarship of University of Memphis in memory of Nathan Nix or to Kids in Distress in Fort Lauderdale and will be received at the funeral home.

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