Obituary of Nathaniel Washington

Nathaniel Washington, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 16th after a long battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Royzie Lee Washington; brothers, Emanuel Washington, Simon Washington Jr., and Otis Seay; sisters, Vermon Washington, Mattie Pearl Clark, Bernice Leonard, Katherine Holdsclaw, Betty Jean Leonard, and Mary Helen Shorter. Left to cherish Nathaniel’s memory are his wife of 25 wonderful years, Rhonda Washington; sons, Jakarta Washington, and Elin Washington (Jada); daughters, Maja Washington (Anthony), Nadaniela Bailey (Montaga); brother, Frank Washington (Deborah); sisters, Jerlene Manley, Velma Roberts, and Vandine Damon (James); 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of many other family and friends. Nathaniel attended Wilson High School in his hometown of Tifton, GA. He excelled in his studies, especially chemistry. Many of the class members remain close to this day and are affectionately known as the Wilson High Mighty, Mighty, Mighty Tigers Class of ’66. Nathaniel excelled at Football for the Tigers where he played the position of linebacker. Following high school, Nathaniel graduated from Texas Southern University (TSU) in 1970 with a B.S. degree from the school of technology. After college, Nathaniel began his corporate career at GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corp) in the finance department and went on to become a District Manager for GM. After 20 years, he retired from GM and began a new career as a licensed realtor, eventually working for Ruth Longoria Realtors, Lege’ Properties, Lonestar Group (Owner), and finally Coldwell Banker United Realtors. Because of his personality and genuine love for people, Real Estate was a natural fit for Nathaniel. Nathaniel was also an entrepreneur at heart and during his lifetime he owned several businesses which included a roller rink, karate school, flower shop, soul food restaurant, and real estate company (Lonestar Group). Nathaniel was also a student of karate and eventually would earn a black belt. He went on to compete as a black belt and owned a karate school for many years. His athletic nature eventually led him to take up body building and ultimately power lifting. He was a winner of several bodybuilding competitions. In 1992, he would represent team USA at the World Power lifting Championships held in Uruguay, a country in South America, and go on to win a gold medal in the 225 lb. weight class. Besides bodybuilding and powerlifting, he also loved playing golf and tennis. Nathaniel was a true Georgia country boy who loved gardening and spending time with his family and friends. Many of his family and friends benefited from the beautiful gardens that he would prepare yearly, supplying greens, both mustard and collard, and cabbages to anyone who wanted home grown vegetables. To say that he had a green thumb would be an understatement! From the time of his youth, Nathaniel was always a very religious young man. In 1994, Nathaniel had a life changing experience. The great Yahweh-Elohim, creator of heaven and earth, drew him to the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research (IDMR) where he has since come to know the creator in spirit and truth. Nathaniel has remained a faithful and dedicated member to this day. He was also a member of the choir and had a beautiful baritone voice. He was known for singing with passion and conviction, songs such as Yah’s Mercy. Although he was diagnosed with incurable cancer, Nathaniel’s confidence and faith in Dr. Kinley never wavered and he was able to take off the flesh with a surety of where he will spend eternity!