Another of our dedicated advocates transitioned on November 25 and was laid to rest on December 7, 2024. His loved ones gathered for a celebration lead by the communities' young people. The service reflected all he believed and who he was.
Nathaniel Williams was a resourceful, responsible and resilient man of God. He was a strong foundation and a natural leader in his personal and professional dealings. Anchored in his faith, he ferociously read his Bible and fervently prayed on his knees every night. His clear thinking, attentive listening and gentle wisdom were a calming balm in unpredictable or uncertain times. He built a fulfilling life to open opportunities for his family and expanded on a legacy that would support his future descendants. Those who knew and loved him called him Gene, Pop Pop, Paw Paw Papa Gene and Papi.
Nathaniel Williams was born in Bethel Springs, Tennessee in McNairy County in 1936 as an only child in a close-knit, intimate, rural neighborhood. He received his early education at Bethel Rosenwald School and graduated from Webb Public High School in McKenzie, Tennessee in 1954. He pursued a degree in Health and Physical Education and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 1975 from Tennessee State University. Eugene met his future spouse Shirley Mae Moore on that college campus in 1956. From their 64-year union, they raised 5 children and curated a vibrant collective of beautiful, supportive souls.
Nathaniel Williams was drafted in the United States Army in 1957 where he served 22 months and 18 days on active duty. For 18 months he was deployed in South Korea. He also served with the 401st Army Reserve Military Police for 21 years. In this role he was assigned to Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, also known as the Gulf War, in the 1991 occupation through Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. He was highly decorated with numerous awards and medals. He reached the rank of Platoon Sergeant, held that position for 19 years and retired in August 1997.
After returning to the United States from active military service, Eugene became a machinist at Hayes International in Huntsville, Alabama. Completion of his higher education afforded him a position as a teacher in Metropolitan Nashville Schools. He was also part of the facilities management team at Vanderbilt Hospital, Werthan Bag Company and Life & Casualty Tower properties.
Following his time as a teacher and metal worker, he began a life-long career in the aviation industry with Avco Aerostructure Corporation. He constructed airplanes, helicopters and space shuttles for Boeing and Lockheed. As an aircraft worker for 31 years, he rose through the ranks to become a Supervisor. He retired in May 1999 from aerospace design, manufacture and assembly.
Nathaniel Williams was an active participant in his church, community and alumni associations. He was a member of Braden United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee and New Bethel United Methodist Church in Bethel Springs, Tennessee. He was Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Administrative Council. He was also a member of the Trustee Board, Lay Leaders, United Methodist Men, Usher Board, Transportation Team, Sunday School Teachers and Choir.
Nathaniel Williams was National President of his high school’s Webb Alumni Association from 2002 through 2009. During his tenure he secured full ownership of the original school building, structured a 501(c) 3 entity to provide avenues for non-profit funding resources, executed a long-term lease for major building tenant Head Start, codified the organization’s legal, financial and other business policies, conducted successful fund-raising campaigns, chartered new chapters, and established a more than $1 million afterschool program to serve the children of Carroll County, Tennessee.
He was revered by a devoted tribe of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, veterans, neighbors, classmates and colleagues.
