Halil Nabi

Age 87, of Nashville passed away April 28, 2019.

He was born in Jacksonville, FL on July 16, 1931 to the immigrant Turkish parents of Halil and Ada Nabi. Gene served in the Army and was proud of his service to this country. He graduated from Florida State University and married Joy Ellison Nabi on August 10, 1957. Together, they had 5 children

While Gene had a variety of different jobs, his greatest career joy was his tenure at the Baptist Sunday School Board where he worked in the Special Ministries Department as a consultant, author, and coach to churches who wanted to develop programming for individuals with disabilities. Gene and Joy started the Baptist Homes for Exceptional Persons which ultimately purchased three group homes for adult individuals with disabilities to live in a normal home setting. Those homes were donated to Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes who still manage them and where their adult son, Scott Nabi, resides and calls home.

Gene was known for many things. Among them were his love for English grammar, creative salads, and books on virtually every topic, robust laughter, photography, corny jokes, unwavering FSU Seminole pride and much more. More than any other thing, he was deeply committed to his wife Joy who he walked in life with for 62 years and his love for Jesus who was his Savior and Lord.

Preceded in death by his parents and son, David Halil Nabi. Survived by his loving wife Joy Nabi; children, Cheryl (Jeff) Dillingham, Scott Nabi, Ken (Karen) Nabi, Steve (Vera) Nabi; grandchildren, Rachel Dillingham Davis, (Jonathan), Emily Dillingham Vanderhei, (Eric), Sarah Dillingham Baker, (Tim), Tyler Nabi, Hannah Nabi Evans, (Justin), Jordan Nabi, Josiah Nabi, Aidan Nabi, Ellison Nabi, Bennett Nabi; great grandchildren, Katie Beth Davis, Wyatt Davis, Zoe Dillingham, Abby Baker, Emma Baker, Skyler Evans, Piper Evans; and sister, Susie Peake; many extended family members and friends.

Life Celebration 11:30 a.m., Thursday at The Church at Harpeth Heights. Visitation 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: Stoneway Acres Endowment Fund, to support the Nabi House, White House, and Brooks House Homes of Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes. Checks may be made payable to TBAH-Stoneway Acres Endowment Fund, PO Box 682789, Franklin, TN, 37068