"Al" Nathaniel Smith

Nathaniel Alfred Smith was born on November 30, 1950, to Alfred and Bernetta Smith. He was the oldest of five children. As a child, he loved playing outside and would only come inside when his sister Jan called his name.

He received his education from Turner High School in the City of Atlanta school system. He was in the marching band and he played the French horn. He took pride in being able to march in the Macy’s Day parade with Morris Brown College. He loved playing badminton and horse shoes on the holidays with his siblings Darryl, Jerald, and Jan. They would lose the game supplies every year and their dad had to replace them.

Al and Curine were happily married for many years. To this union, there were two lovely daughters born: Sonja and Laranico. After being married for a short time, he was drafted into the Army, serving as a communication specialist when stationed in Hamburg, Germany. He continued to serve his country in the Georgia National Guard upon his return.

After returning from serving in the Army, he obtained a job for a telephone company. A little unknown fact about this experience was that he was one of the first black telephone installers for Southern Bell in Decatur. He overcame many obstacles due to the racism and disbelief that he was an actual installer due to his race.

Al enjoyed fishing and sharing his rewards with his family and friends. He LOVED fishing and even won tournaments. Al also was a good card player and when he was in the zone, he would turn his hat backwards as he meant business at that moment.

Al was kind and would do anything for his family and friends. He loved traveling and would drive instead of flying if that was an option as he loved road trips. He would hop on the road at any given time. He was a jokester and happy person. He enjoyed living and made the best of every moment of his life.

Al was preceded in death by his mother, Bernetta Smith, grandparents, Alfred Jones Smith and Teresa Prothro, and his favorite uncle, Ralph Redding.

Nathaniel Smith went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 31, 2021. He leaves to cherish many precious memories of his life: his devoted wife, Curine Smith; daughters, Sonja Sellers (Joseph) and Laranico Wood (Blake); parents, Alfred Smith (Elinor); siblings, Jan (John), Darryl (Gwen), Jerald, and Kelli; seven grandchildren, Curina Lockett (Lindsey), Blake Wood, Jr. (Marla), Tamara Sellers, Joshua Sellers, Ashley Wood (Michael), Dyeisha Wood, and Tameshaka Clowers (Justin); ten great-grandchildren; Life Long Friends, Willie Jackson II, Henry, Alonzo, LJ, Al Bailey, and Red; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

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