Nathaniel Morgan, Jr.

Nathaniel Morgan, Jr., born November 13, 1935, was the second of six children born to Nathaniel Morgan, Sr. and Katie Morgan. He was born in Warwick, Georgia where he spent his early years before his family moved to Tampa, Florida. He was affectionately called "Buddy" by members of his family and "Nate" by those who came to know him in later years.

He graduated from Don Thompson High School in June 1954 and joined the United States Navy in September 1954. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1958, Nathaniel enrolled in Gibbs Community College in St. Petersburg, Florida and continued his education at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

While in college, Nathaniel met and married Gwendolyn Rogers to whom he was married for over 58 years. He and Gwen moved to Washington, D.C. where they would raise their three children, Andrea Lynn, Nathaniel, and Kelvin.

Nathaniel joined the District of Columbia Fire Department in March 1963 and rose through the ranks to the position of captain before retiring in 1991. Although he was occasionally detailed to other stations across the city, the majority of his career was spent at Engine 22 located at Georgia and Missouri Avenues, NW.

Nathaniel loved sports. He played football in high school, basketball in college, and tennis as a pastime for many years. He was passionate about the game of golf which, until recent years, he played several times a week with fellow retired firemen. He rooted for the Redskins through good times and bad.  He was a storehouse of knowledge and statistics about most competitive sports. His other passion was work­ing the daily crossword puzzle in the Washington Post.

A quiet, gentle, humble person, Nathaniel loved his family, church, and community. He enjoyed helping people in any way that he could. To know him was to admire and respect him. He leaves his family a legacy which he taught by example: to love the Lord; to honor, respect, protect and love your family unconditionally; and to live a personal life of honesty and integrity. He enjoyed family gatherings that included all of his children and grandchildren.

As a member of Good Hope Union United Methodist Church, he gave faithful service over the years as a trustee, treasurer of the United Methodist Men, van driver, member of the Men's Visiting Team, and member of the Men's Choir. He developed the Fire Safety Plan for GHU. For many years he looked for­ ward to attending the Wednesday night bible study, and when asked, he would gladly fill in to lead the class. He served where and when needed in his church and community.

On October 22, 2018 the Lord peacefully called Nathaniel to his eternal rest. He leaves to honor his life and cherish his memory the following: his wife, Gwendolyn; his daughter, Andrea L. Morgan; two sons, Nathaniel I. Morgan and wife Dona Leigh and Kelvin L. Morgan and wife Kristine; six grandchildren, Stenson Morgan English, Matthew Henry Morgan, Maximilian Quinn Morgan, Sierra Lynn Elizabeth, Kayla Julianne and Malia Janette Morgan; two step granddaughters, Alana Courtois and Brianne Davis; brother, Robert Morgan; aunt, Estelle Vinson; uncle, Rev. Leroy James; three sisters-in­ law, Rudine Richardson and husband Joseph, Jeanette Morgan and Kathy Morgan; nieces and nephews: Ronnie, Anthony, Janice, Joy, Angela, Candeth, Casey, Zena, Shakena, Sonya, Gayland, Elysia, Joseph and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, James, Katie, Perry and Edgar.

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