Mr. Nathaniel Elroy Smith

God granted life to Nathaniel Elroy Smith on July 7, 1954. Born to the late Henry, Sr. and Bessie Potter Smith in Ebro (Washington County) Florida. Elroy was proceeded in death by his wife Bernice parents and siblings: Dorothy Becoats, Mary Olds, and Henry, Jr. Elroy decided to join the Family of God at an early age and joined Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Ebro, Florida. He participated in Sunday School, BTU, and was active in other church activities. He was later ordained as a Junior Deacon by the late Rev. Sam Cherry. Elroy was educated at Vernon High School in Vernon, Florida. While in school, he participated in several sports: basketball, baseball, and football - basketball was his favorite. He was a 1972 graduate. Elroy was united in marriage to Bernice Knox on April 3, 1987. This union of 26 years ended with her demise on July 14, 2013. This union was blessed with one son, Dante' Jamal Smith. Elroy was employed with the papermill in Panama City for a few years. With a desire to expand his curiosity about the world; he decided to adventure to Alaska. There he was employed with the Department of Corrections for 20-plus years. While in Alaska, he and his family united with a church there. He resumed his duties as a deacon. Upon retirement, he and his family relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and joined the church family at Simon Temple. He served there until his health slowly declined. Elroy never met a stranger; he was kind and loved to give and share; even the Word of God...always reminding others to "Look at GOD!" Cherished memories are left with: Son Dante' Smith, Raleigh, NC; Daughter Crystal Brown, Panama City, FL; Siblings Audrey Tigg (James) and Sallie Daniels (Wilson), Dothan, AL; Martha Leslie (Hosea), Marianna, FL; Rachel Crews (Tony); Port St. Joe, FL, and Bertram Smith (Monica), San Antonio, TX; Sisters-in-law Linda L. Smith, Greenwood, FL, Annette Hagar, Shirlean Williams and Felisa Graves, Panama City, FL; Brotherin- law Culton Olds, Marianna, FL; Aunts Elsie Harmon, Orange Hill, FL, and Matilda Harmon, Tallahassee, FL; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, several nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends, a special sister and brother-in-Christ: Janet B. Imnes and Kevin Convington, Fayetteville, NC. To My Dad Dad, My heart still aches with sadness, and secret tears still flow, What it means to lose you, No one will ever know I will always love you Dad! - Dante