Nathaniel James Perdue, Jr.

Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. On the morning of Saturday, April 13, 2019 our beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Nathaniel James Perdue, Jr. slipped away peacefully into eternal rest. He was born Saturday, January 4, 1930 in Ellsworth, PA to the late Nathaniel 1. and Leona Saunders Perdue. Nathaniel grew up and attended school in Brownsville, PA until he left in 1948 to serve his country in the United States Navy, retiring in 1968 as 1st Class Boatswain Mate. Nathaniel served in both Vietnam and Korean Wars. While on active duty, he met and married the love of his life, the late Ruby Lavern Williams Harris. To this union, three (3) daughters and one (1) son were born. He was also dad to Ruby's two older sons. Following his military service, Nathaniel attended Norfolk State College (later named Norfolk State University) where he majored in History and worked at the Naval Air Station. In 1988 he retired a second time from the Portsmouth Naval Hospital as a Pharmacy Transportation Supervisor. Nat as he was affectionately referred to by his friends was often complimented for his public speaking talents. Nathaniel was the first black sailor to be stationed at Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL and was invited back to Mayport Base as the guest speaker for its Black History Program. He was often invited locally to speak at various command ceremonies to educate others of his experiences and to encourage those serving, to serve proud. He was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Portsmouth and served on the Male Usher Ministry until his health began to fail. Nathaniel was a cook, crossword puzzler and an avid bid whist, cooncan and pity pat card player. He was also a lover of music, especially the blues and was the envy of his friends on the dance floor immaculately dressed. He was preceded in death by: one brother, Raymond Perdue and two sisters, Lillian Partee and Gladys Settles. His legacy continues in his children Corinne P. Moody of Waldorf, MD; Rev. Nathaniel J. Perdue, III (Audrey) of Graham, NC; LTC Carol J. P. Burton (Thomas Marc) of Chesapeake, VA; Sonya P. Bolton of Portsmouth, VA; Matthew Harris (Beverly) of Portsmouth, VA and Joseph E. Harris (Barbara) of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren Marcus Burton (Michele}, Carlyn Moody, Nathaniel Perdue, IV, Terrance Burton, Adrienne Wagoner (Seth), Camille Bolton, Patrick Perdue, Valencia Moody, Kaylin Bolton, Courtney Bolton, Reginald Bolton, Jr., Michelle Bonner (Correy), Shawneequa Harris, Cecilia Williams (Antonio), Katrina Boyd, Beverly Boyd, James Boyd, and Jackie Golatt. and great-grandchildren Honour, Triniti Aliyss, Bailey Madison, Xavier, Harmony, Clark Madeline, Anthony, and Correy II; one brother, John L. Perdue, of Uniontown, PA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish precious memories. The family would like to acknowledge our appreciation to the compassionate team of caregivers; Tamica Ricks and Dawn Wilson and Medi Home Hospice & Social Worker/Bereavement Counselor, Sukie Bailey of Medi Hollie Hospice.

Nathaniel James Perdue, Jr.

January 4, 1930 - April 13, 2019