Derrick James Nash, 65 of Hot Springs, AR passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023. He was born in Hot Springs AR. to Harold Nash and Berenice Nash.

Derrick is preceded in death by his mother.

Derrick was truly an exceptional person, and his deep love for motorcycles was a defining aspect of his life. He cherished the machine itself as well as the countless miles he rode throughout the years. Gifted with remarkable mechanical skills, he was not only a master of Harley-Davidson's older models but any type of motor. His expertise was unmatched.

Over the course of his lifetime, Derrick crafted a legend around his passion for motorcycles. He devoted himself to enhancing the performance of his beloved 1956 Panhead and displayed a natural talent for mechanics. In the mid-80s, Derrick, and Longtime friend Moe Baker, established HH Cycle in a house on Airport Road, with a large shed at its rear. Over the following 18 years, Derrick tirelessly worked on hundreds of bikes, transforming them into the epitome of performance. He turned these machines into dreams, generously offering the best deals to ensure that others could hit the road.

When health issues prevented him from riding his own bike, Derrick's dedication to his beloved machines never wavered. Rather than giving up, he shifted his focus to building and restoring older Harley-Davidson models. As a perfectionist, each bike he constructed or repaired was a work of art, embodying his tireless commitment to ensuring every detail was right. He spent countless hours in his shop, crafting machines that brought others' dreams to life.

Derrick had a deep affection for his bulldogs and then came knucklehead, his first encounter with pug dogs. These furry companions captured his heart, adding an extra layer of warmth and love to his life.

While Derrick may have been a man of few words, beneath his quiet demeanor, there existed a vast reservoir of knowledge and wisdom. His encyclopedic memory allowed him to hear a song and not only identify the artist but also recall the album it was from the tracklist, and the release year. His intellect extended beyond music; he possessed an ingenious mind capable of disassembling and reassembling nearly any contraption with ease.

Derrick's influence extended beyond mechanics and music; he was instrumental in breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding. His quiet strength and unwavering loyalty made him an exemplary friend, partner, and brother. His patience and peaceful disposition served as a beacon for those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Derrick had a few culinary indulgences, most notably his penchant for sugary cereals and his love for a mouthwatering ribeye steak. However, it was his passion for motorcycles that truly ignited his spirit, motivating him to embrace each day with fervor. Over the last decade of his life, he became a remarkable teacher, generously sharing his profound knowledge with anyone who entrusted their beloved bikes to his care. Those who left his shop did so with a deeper understanding of their motorcycles and the satisfaction of knowing that Derrick had worked his magic to fix them.

In Derrick, we find a legacy of dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to making dreams come true. He leaves behind a lasting imprint on the world of motorcycles and the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Derrick's memory will forever ride alongside us on the open road, where his love for the machine and his generous spirit will continue to inspire.

Derrick is survived by his girlthing of 34 years Lesli, sons William (Irina) Trost, Zack Trost, Elijah (Melody) McJunkin, and Braden (Jaelyn) Jones, four granddaughters, his Dad Harold Nash, and a sister, Terry (Wes) Whitley, his three sister-in-laws Sandy Parker, Jenn Bice-Tobin, and Tammy Nile. his two nieces Alison and Alex and great-niece Norah. There is also a large number of young people who call him Uncle Derrick, his chosen family.

All in all, if you ever met this man you never will forget him, you are more likely to learn something from him, and those who were lucky enough to know him well, will love him always. So next time you hear a well-tuned motorcycle rolling down the road or through the quiet of the late night remember him in the moment and he will live forever through that and the memories that are evoked by the music of the well-tuned Harley-Davidson.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held at Bald Mountain Ball Park on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.