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Celebrating the life of Nathaniel Chatman
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Obituary for Nathaniel Chatman
A Celebration of Nathaniel's Life is will occur Monday, November 15, 2021
Camphor United Methodist Church 5620 Wyalusing Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131
Viewing: 9 AM Service: 11 AM
Celebration of Life for Nathaniel Chatman Jr.
Nathaniel Chatman, Jr. entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Nathaniel (affectionately known as Chat, Jr. or Nate by family members and friends.) was born to the late Nathaniel Chatman, Sr. and Mamie B. Chatman on September 16, 1948 in Natchez, Mississippi.
Chat was the eldest son of five children. Chat accepted Christ at a young age via Grove AME Church. There, Chat was reared in the YPD and was active on the junior usher board.
As a child, Chat enjoyed certain pastimes such as palying sports, music, participating in church activities, swimming, being an active boy scout member, as well as nickel (matinee) flicks on thee weekends. Chat would enjoy attending the town’s rodeos as well. Chat loved to share stories of his childhool and how he would love to accompany his grandfather; Joshua David Watkins, an elder in the AME Church to various conferences and meetings. Chat would often reminisce about when his grandfather made time to play football with his as well.
Chat graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School, where he was a pro-candidate football player during his senior year. Unfortunately, Chat suffered an injury which ended his football career. However, Chat maintained his focus on his academic endeavors.
Chat graduated from Mississippi Valley Sate College (now University) with a B.S. in Social Studies. While attending Valley he met his college sweetheart, Kelly Gray Hollis. Both Chat and Kelly were proud students of the SWAC (the Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Following graduation from college, Chat and Kelly married June 18,1972, and relocated to Philadelphia, PA. during the same week of their nuptials. Upon settling into Philadelphia, Chat was employed with various companies to provide for his household, although Chat had aspirations of becoming a US Marshal.
Chat was also employed with Temple University for many years, until he made a transition in his career endeavors. Chat became a proud member of the Philadelpiha Fraternal Order of Police in 1988, and was assigned to the mighty 14th District. Chat received many awards and certificates over the years for his outstanding commitments to serving his community. Chat also performed CCTV duties in the 35th District. Chat became a National Fraternal Order of Police member post retirement, as well as the Philadelphia Police Home Association member. Chat was family oriented and lived to make his family live beyond meager comforts.
Chat enjoyed traveling, fishing with the Ocean hunters Club, and you could always count on the Chatman household to have weekly fish fries on Friday. Also, Chat enjoyed grilling year round, and entertained extended family members and friends during the annual block. All were welcomed.
In his spare time, Chat would listen to great musicians (WAR, Santana, Madril, Jimi Hendrix, Jazz, etc).
Chat was known to listen to stations WHAT or WURD 900 every Sunday while en route to church. Chat enjoyed reading, watching the history channel, the news, and his favorite; old military and western movies and tv shows.
Chat was known to sit on his porch and engage in conversation with neighbors or others passing through the neighborhood. Chat enjoyed talking about sports, politics, and life in general. Sometimes, the discussions were heated debates...however, it was all out of fun and love.
Chat rarely missed a beat, and prayed daily and served his church home faithfully until his health began to decline. Chat served on the Usher Board at Mother Bethel AME Church for over forty years, where he served in various capacities including as president. Chat was a part of the Men’s Fellowship, and was a Trustee Board briefly; however, due to his employment he was unable to fulfill his Trustee duties. Chat loved his family and his church very much.
Chat was preceded in death by his parents and eldest sister Amanda Chatman-Anderson- Gary, Indiana.
Chat leaves to cherish his loving memory his Wife of 49 years; Kelly Gray Chatman, daughter; Kanisha Nakenya Chatman, son; Derrick C. Watson- Mableton, Ga., sister; Leola“Ruth” Young- San Diego, Ca., sister; Elizabeth Chatman-Lewis (John)- Philadelphia, Pa., brother; Lorenzo Chatman(Carolyn)-Jacksonville Fl. Chat also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends.
We request family and friends who prefer to send plants or flowers, to coordinate with one of the following reliable local florists:..
Have the florist deliver your selection to the church no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS WITH THE TRIBUTE
