Like a committed, courageous soldier of the Cross, Nathaniel Bernard Abraham, Sr., 71, marched victoriously into eternity on Sunday, June 9, 2019.  He was much-loved and deeply grateful resident of Peak Resources-Charlotte from December 2018 to June 2019.

Born on July 19, 1947 in Winston Salem, North Carolina, he was the youngest of eight children of the late David J. Abraham, Sr. and Emma D. Abraham.

After relocating to West Charlotte, due to overcrowding at Northwest Junior High School, Nate was assigned to seventh grade as a junior high student at University Park Elementary School.  He completed the eight and ninth grades at Northwest Junior High.  Later, as a student at West Charlotte High School, Nate was elected twice as art editor and was one of the main designers of their yearbook.  Also, while at West Charlotte, in another act of pioneering, he became an art department intern at The Charlotte Observer.  Eventually, he was employed there as a retouch artist.  He graduated as a Lion in 1965.  In later years, Nate attended various classes at Central Piedmont Community College.  He also taught pottery and other arts and crafts classes in CPCC's satellite program.

Some of Nate's proudest years were from 1966-1970 when he passionately, but dangerously served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was deployed in combat zones in Vietnam for thirteen months.  Following that traumatizing time, he was discharged as an Airman First Class.

Nate's employment life is a tale of versatility and rare talent.  He pioneered as a Black salesman at Datsun Auto Company, worked for the Celanese Corporation, designed textiles for ABC Engraving, managed Lionel Toy Warehouse for several years, and worked in the warehouse for Ipax  Plastics Corporation, from which he retired in his sixties.  But being a free-lance artist brought Nate his greatest fulfillment and pleasure, especially when he observed how people benefited from his art.  He was essentially self-taught, but he credited his sister Claudette as his best mentor who initially taught him significant techniques and nuances of his skills.  As a highly blessed, God gifted artist, he was able to capture not only the outer appearance of his subjects (people, animals, nature, vehicles, symbols, etc.), but also the inner "persona" and essence.  He served hundreds of clients, particularly with his drawings, photography, and paintings as he "set up shop" at Myrtle Beach, CIAA venues, auto shows and businesses, and shopping malls, etc. Nate's personality generally reflected self-confidence, and upbeat attitude, and a witty sense of humor.  He pursued several  enjoyable hobbies and interests:  collecting  (for investment)  classic vehicles, both actual and model; listening to and collecting a wide range of music; watching sports, especially football and basketball; and wearing quality, attractive clothes.

Early in his youth, Nate joined First Baptist Church (later known as First Baptist Church-West).  He appreciated the way the family life and church activities gave him strong roots.  In the interim, he experience shifts and changes.  But, in recent months, through deep and constant reflections, he discovered an even deeper gratitude for the ways that the First Baptist Church-West family impacted his life and strengthened his faith.

In addition to his parents, Nate was preceded in death by his sisters, Arlease A. Neal and Selma A. Simelton.

Nate is survived by a loving family: two sons, Nathaniel B. Abraham, Jr. of Cornelius, North Carolina  and Jason D. Abraham of Ridgeway, Virginia; one granddaughter, Helena M. Abraham (Nate's " Princess") of Cornelius, NC, Nate's former wife and loyal, loving friend, Helen B. Reynolds of Ridgeway, Virginia; two brothers, David J. Abraham, Jr. (Rosetta) of Charlotte and Lincoln J. Abraham of Bronx, New York; and three sisters, Darlina A. Connor of Hollis, New York, Peocola A Maxwell (Earl) of Charlotte, and Claudette A. Fetsco of New York, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.