Nathan Earl Lemons

Obituary Nathan Earl Lemons, lovingly known as Nat, was born on July 12, 1953, in Montgomery, Alabama, the eldest child of the late Precious and Roberta Lemons. During his teenage years, the Lemons family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where Nat graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1972.
It was during those Brooklyn school years that Nat met a young woman named Erma Frett. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong bond, and on November 7, 1981, they joined hands in marriage. Together, they built a loving home and raised two sons, Shon and Novelle, who became the pride of their lives.
Nat proudly served his country as a United States Navy Corpsman (medic), devoting himself to the care of others with the same compassion and steadiness that defined every part of his life. Following his military service, Nat pursued his lifelong passion for the martial arts. Under the guidance of his teacher, the late Grand Master John Dinkins, he immersed himself in multiple disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Jido Kwan. Known to his students as Master Lemons, he was both a skilled practitioner and an inspiring teacher-admired for his patience, encouragement, and respect. His dedication and mastery were recognized in 2008 when he was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Taekwondo and Jido Kwan. He continued to train and teach for many years afterward, ultimately achieving the distinguished rank of 8th degree black belt. Nat inspired generations of students, forging lasting bonds and inspiring them to pursue excellence in both craft and character.
A sports enthusiast, Nat also found joy on the sidelines. He loved coaching young players, teaching not just the game itself but also the grit, discipline, and teamwork behind it. For a time, he coached a local semi-professional football team, the Kings County Chiefs, which advanced to the New York City Regional Championship, a point of pride for him and his community alike.
Above all, faith was the foundation of Nat's life. As a minister of the Gospel, he served as Assistant Minister at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Nat shared his love for God and Christ with humility and conviction, living out his faith through kindness, service, and unwavering belief.