In Memoriam: 1970s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Timothy Edward “Tim” Nagle (Col ’71) of Norfolk, Va., died June 5, 2014. At the University, he was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity. After graduation, he relocated to San Diego and started a civil engineering business, Conway & Associates, serving as president. A man of many interests, Mr. Nagle traveled extensively in the United States, Mexico and Europe. He read widely, especially American history, and enjoyed surfing, skiing and auto racing. He also held a black belt in Kenpo karate. Survivors include his wife, two daughters and three sons.

Jud E. McNatt (Col ’74) of Woodstock, Ga., died May 25, 2014. He worked as a senior attorney at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 24 years. Throughout his career, Mr. McNatt was recognized repeatedly for his work as an attorney for the federal government at HUD, where he practiced law in the areas of government programs, administrative law and litigation. He won numerous cases for the United States in the area of procurement law, and was considered by his peers to be one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the nation in this area. Mr. McNatt also served as a mentor to junior lawyers. He was an avid boater who owned a small cabin on Lake Allatoona and spent many weekends on the Tennessee River, cruising to University of Tennessee football games as a member of the “Vol Navy.” Mr. McNatt enjoyed cycling and spent many Sundays biking with friends as well as participating in the annual weeklong Bicycle Ride Across Georgia event. An active member of his neighborhood civic association on Lake Allatoona, he also served two terms as president of the Victoria Cottages Civic Association and served on the organization’s board of directors. Survivors include a brother, a sister, two nieces and three nephews.

John Glendel Conner (Educ ’75) of Elliston, Va., died Sept. 28, 2014. He taught earth and physical science classes at Northside High School in Roanoke, Va., for more than 33 years. Throughout his teaching career, he attended and made presentations at many science conferences, workshops, and National Science Foundation institutes. After retirement, Mr. Conner became a hay farmer and supplied his neighbors with hay for their horses. He enjoyed gunsmithing, knife making and leatherwork for both guns and knives. He also loved the outdoors. Mr. Conner was a ham radio operator and a member of the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club. Survivors include his wife, a son, a daughter, two grandchildren and a brother.

George E. Nolley (Educ ’75) of Lynchburg, Va., died Oct. 16, 2014. He was a teacher in West Virginia and in Roanoke, Va., before beginning his career as a school administrator in Henry County, Va., where he was principal of the Mary Hunter School in Bassett and then principal of J.D. Bassett High School. He later served as associate superintendent for instruction in Montgomery County, Va., and served for 30 years as superintendent of schools for Campbell County, Va. After his retirement, Mr. Nolley continued to supervise and mentor student teachers throughout central and southwest Virginia. He took joy in the sharing of knowledge and life experiences with children and teachers starting their own careers in education. Mr. Nolley, an avid U.Va. sports fan, was active in the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, a son, two grandchildren and four siblings.

Elaine Fehr Waters (Col ’75) of Bradenton, Fla., died June 12, 2014. At the University, she was a member of the Circle K Club, the Virginia Women’s Chorus and the Corks & Curls staff. A pediatrician and allergist, Dr. Waters practiced medicine in Bradenton from 1985 to 2010. She had a zest for life and enjoyed talking walks, reading novels and participating in a book club. She was a generous woman who was a member of a cancer support group and spent a great deal of time counseling others who had been diagnosed with cancer. Her warm, bubbly and cheerful nature brought comfort to those around her. Survivors include her husband, two daughters, a son and a grandson.

Martin “Marty” Eugene Farmer Jr. (Col ’77) of Fairfax, Va., died April 15, 2014. At the University, he was a member of the Young Democrats and the University Singers, and sang and played guitar at Pavilion XI and several venues on the Corner. He remained involved with the Virginia Young Democrats after graduation, and went on to serve on the staffs of Rep. Lester Wolf of New York and Sen. David Boren of Oklahoma. Mr. Farmer left Capitol Hill to join the Fairfax County Public Schools as a technical education teacher, leading students in subjects such as lasers, robotics, computer-assisted design and three-dimensional printing. He also served as northern region director of the Virginia Technology Student Association. An Eagle Scout, Mr. Farmer was very involved with his local Boy Scout troop, served as president of the Fairfax Jaycees club and on the Fairfax parks and recreation advisory board. Immersing totally into character, and with a handsome baritone voice and full white beard, he performed for many Christmas seasons as Santa Claus at various community events such as the city of Fairfax’s Festival of Lights and Carols and its Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Survivors include his wife, two sons and three sisters.

Celestine Roberta Walker (Col ’77 L/M) of Lynchburg, Va., died Sept. 16, 2014. She held many jobs throughout her life, working as a multiline claims adjustor for Nationwide Insurance Co. from 1979 to 1985, while also building her career as a teacher. She taught in various education programs, teaching English in the Charlottesville City Schools adult education program and English and communication at Phillips Business College in Lynchburg, Va. Ms. Walker was a member of the English literature and communication faculty at Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg from 1989 to 1995. An active volunteer and community member, she served, among other posts, on the Virginia Statewide Council for Independent Living from 2003 to 2012, on the Central Virginia Regional Transportation Authority’s subcommittee on disabilities from 2002 to 2004, and in the Blue Ridge chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In recognition of her advocacy for those living with multiple sclerosis, she received numerous awards, including the 1995 Alex Sawyer Client Services Award, given to outstanding volunteers and members of the Blue Ridge chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She enjoyed writing poetry, spending time with her grandchildren, facilitating the multiple sclerosis conference line, traveling, telephoning family members and friends, and engaging in lively discussions about history and current events, especially politics. Survivors include her husband, a son, a grandson, a granddaughter and many other family members.