Biography:

Nathaniel Thomas was born June 26, 1947 in Savannah, Georgia to the late George Thomas Jr. and Birdie Lee Thomas. Nathaniel was the youngest of two children; his older brother, Alfonso, preceded him in death. Nathaniel’s mother moved to New York in 1954. Nathaniel remained in Savannah, living with his father and brother, completing his early education in Georgia. At the age of fifteen, Nathaniel joined his mother in New York  City. He completed his education in the New York City Public School System.
 
In 1971, Nathaniel joined the United States Army. After serving two years, he was medically discharged in 1973, returning to New York City. After several years, Nathaniel returned to Savannah, Georgia. Due to his medical condition, Nathaniel was unable to successfully maintain gainful employment. For a number of years, Nathaniel’s health continued to plague him. He moved into a number of nursing homes where he did not thrive.
 
In 2016, Nathaniel was placed in a veteran’s association program, where he lived in a home with three other veterans. Nathaniel thrived in this environment. His caretaker became like a family member. In 2024, Nathaniel’s health began to deteriorate. After a number of hospitalizations, Nathaniel was called home July 30, 2026.
 
He leaves to cherish his memory: cousins, Conrad Charlton (Shirley), Jacqueline Small-Williams; four second cousins: Lamar Charlton, Paul Williams, Octavia Grissom (Charles) and Oni O’Neill (Aaron); a devoted caretaker, Rosetta Shaw, and a host of other relatives and friends.