Gregory "Toe" Nash

Gregory “Toe” Nash was born on February 16, 1982, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Charles “Tuttie” Payton and the late Patricia Ann Nash. From a young age, Toe demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and passion for life. He worked in the sugar cane fields during his early years before finding his calling on the baseball field.

A gifted athlete, Toe played in exhibition games against local high schools and competed in a semi-professional baseball league known as the Sugar Cane League, where he stood out among amateurs and former minor leaguers. At 18, he caught the eye of Latino scouts while playing in the league and went on to pursue a professional baseball career. In 2001, Toe played in the minor leagues for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now the Rays), showcasing exceptional talent—hitting 400-foot home runs from both sides of the plate and throwing 93 mph from the mound.

Off the field, Toe was known for his quick wit, vibrant personality, and love of a good game. He enjoyed trash-talking while playing dominoes, spades, and cornhole, and he cherished time spent fishing. Above all, he loved his family and friends deeply, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering loyalty.

Gregory was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Ann Nash.

He is survived by his greatest pride and joy—his daughter, Blakeleigh Jo Nash; his father and stepmother, Charles and Glenda Payton; his siblings, Derrick (Charla) Nash and JoAnna Nash; his nieces, Cheyene, Hannah, Sophi, and Ja’Kiya; his nephews, Jailyn, Ja’Kobe, Derrick Jr. “Deux,” Darius, and Jay’den; and his girlfriend, Courtney Plunkett. Also mourning his loss are a host of aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gregory lived boldly, loved deeply, and left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of many.

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