Nathaniel Wilson

Rev. Nathaniel E. Wilson, 81, of Alexandria, VA passed from this life into the arms of the Almighty on June 15, 2023. Born Nathaniel Ellery Wilson on April 15, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, he was a remarkable soul who loved the Lord, his family, and lived a life of humility, gratitude, and joy.

Nate, as he was lovingly known, was the son of Nathaniel G. Wilson and Nannie Hayes Wilson, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, the love of his life, JoSie Shelby-Wilson, sons Nathaniel E. Wilson II (Gala) of Tampa, FL and Justin D. Wilson of Washington, DC, granddaughters Chandler, Natalie, and Jordan, sister Emmilye Wilson-Walton and brother Thomas Hayes Wilson as well as numerous brothers and sisters -in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loyal friends and acquaintances.

Rev. Wilson was a man of faith who found his spiritual home wherever Jesus was present. He was an obedient servant of God and shared His ministry freely. Most recently he attended services and occasionally preached at Fort Belvoir Gospel Chapel, where he was an active member of the congregation. He cherished the community he found there and believed in the transformative power of faith to bring people together.

After graduating from Pearl High School in 1961, Nate entered into the United States Air Force, where he learned the importance of discipline, honor, and service to others. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served 27 years around the world and retired as a military officer having served in numerous roles including as a Foreign Disclosure Officer and Deputy Base Commander. He was a proud member of the military and made many lifelong friends during his service. After retirement he worked for defense contractors, served as Director of Security for the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ft. Belvoir Federal Credit Union.

Rev. Wilson found great joy in serving his community. He was a member of the Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons, and called the St. Paul Lodge #343 of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge his Masonic home. He was the past Vice President, President, and Chairman of the Mt. Vernon -Lee Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance. He also served on the the board of United Community Ministries and was the President and Founder of Just in Time Community Development Corporation. He believed that service to others was a sacred duty and that God has called all of us to do our part to make the world a better place.

Nate was a lifelong learner who believed in the power of education to transform lives. He received his bachelors degree from the University of Alaska, Masters degree from Central Michigan University, and Masters of Divinity from Virginia Union University, Samuel D. Proctor Theological Seminary. He knew that education was a gift that could never be taken away and that the pursuit of knowledge was a lifelong journey. He sought to help others along that journey serving as an adjunct professor at Central Texas College and Webster University for the past three decades.

Rev. Wilson was a passionate and loving soul who lived his life with kindness, compassion, and grace. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in eternal peace in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A viewing for Nate will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM, at Fort Belvoir - Woodlawn Chapel, located at 6050 Gorgas Road, Building 1801, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060.