Nathaniel McDougal

Obituary For Nathaniel McDougal

Remembering Nathaniel….

The last of the trio, Nathaniel was born in New York City to the late Daisy and Alex McDougal.

At an early age, Nathan was baptized at New Hope Pentecostal Church, under the leadership of his own grandmother, Bishop Ophrie Crawford. It was there that he began to show his love for singing and joined the choir. “Deep Deep Deep Down In My Heart” was hallmarked by Nathan, as no one could lead that song like him. Can you imagine how proud Grandma would be on Sunday mornings to pass him that microphone?

Nathan was educated in the New York City Public School System, where he loved competing in and winning city-wide Spelling Bee’s. He attended Edison High School, joined after school programs, and studied electricity, where he gained a fond interest in repairing radios and TVs, awhile working full-time after school. Nathan went on to graduate from Bayside High School in 1976.

Upon graduation, his attention to detail and ability to problems solve led him to the insurance sector on Wall Street. However, he switched gears and enlisted in the US Army, where he was a Master Cook. He proudly served his country and received an Honorable Discharge. Coming back to NYC, Nathan used his previous learned skills and military experiences and obtained a Certificate in Refrigeration Repair.

Nathan was independent and uniquely content with being alone; he did not need to run with a crowd, but often drew one with his sense of humor, hearty laugh, and jokes. He was an avid reader and enjoyed riding and repairing his bicycle. When done, he would get a good reading in from his Bible.

On December 6, 2020, at 23rd Street Veteran’s Administration Hospital, God tapped Nathan to be back with his parents, Daisy and Alex McDougal, sister, Doretha McDougal Brown, brother, Anthony McDougal, grandmothers, Ophrie Crawford and Charlotte McDougal. Nathaniel leaves to mourn his brother, David McDougal; Aunt Lula Mae Nedd (Robert), Uncle James (Rose) Crawford, Aunt Barbara Jean Crawford, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.