Taylor Funeral Home, Inc | Phenix City, AL

Obituary For Nathaniel H. Menefee

Mr. Nathaniel Menefee, 101, of Phenix City, AL passed Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Tuskegee, AL.

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. EST at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Garrett, pastor officiating. Burial to follow in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. EST.

Deacon Nathaniel Hawthorne Menefee was born on August 25, 1922 to Rev. Frank Christopher and Ethel Lou Moore Menefee in Lee County, AL. He departed this earthly life on November 25, 2023, in Tuskegee, AL. He was the youngest of ten siblings and spent his early years farming alongside his family in Russell County, AL. He confessed Christ at age fifteen and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He was also educated at Bethlehem Church School on what is known as Bailey Hill.

After the United States entered World War II, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of twenty and trained at Montfort Point Camp, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was the first person of color from Russell County, AL to be inducted into the United States Marine Corps. During WWII, he rose to the rank of sergeant and had special qualification as a Military Police. As an MP on Saipan, during the first few days of August 1945, his most meritorious wartime duty was to guard part of the “Little Boy” atomic bomb that was detonated over Hiroshima on August 6,1945 (which led to the Surrender of Japan and the end of World War II). He also signed the official manifest which released the atomic bomb from custody to Colonel Paul Tibbets before it was loaded unto the B-29 Superfortress aircraft known as the Enola Gay. While deployed to the Pacific Theater, he was stationed on the Island of Saipan until his military discharge on May 31,1946.

After WWII ended, he returned home to Phenix City, AL in 1946. On April 23, 1949, he entered into holy matrimony to Annie Lee Kendrick. To this union six children were born. He was also ordained as a deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1949.

He worked for many years at Sears Roebuck & Co., Montgomery Ward, and later at Opelika Mfg., where he served as union steward, a role in which he strove to ensure a fair and equitable workplace environment for all employees.

Deacon Menefee taught Sunday School for many years at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He also taught bible study lessons for many years in the East Alabama area and was revered by his peers and contemporaries as a bible scholar. After retirement, he focused on bible study and spending time with his family and dear friends. He also enjoyed volunteering at the voter polls (Ladonia Precinct) for many years as well.

2012, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the nation’s highest civilian award) as a Montfort Point Marine. Semper Fidelis

He loved his Atlanta Braves baseball and was an avid coin collector, and he also enjoyed his favorite TV shows as well.

He was predeceased by his wife Mrs. Annie K. Menefee, and eldest daughter Norma A. Menefee.

Deacon Menefee is survived by two daughters, Jo Ethel Price and Linda L. Menefee, both of Phenix City, AL; three sons, Nathaniel A. Menefee of Billingsley, AL, Mark S. Menefee (Michele), and Guy E. Menefee, both of Phenix City, AL; five grandchildren, Eric C. Menefee (who was his faithful caregiver), Kimberly Palmer (Gerald Sr.), both of Phenix City, AL, Mark Menefee (Denise), of Hope Mills, NC, Adam Sumbry of Montgomery, AL and Milessa Menefee of Phenix City, AL; six great-grandchildren, Mary Jewelle Morton, Kiana Palmer, Gerald Palmer, Jr., Deyondius Stevens, DeMarques Menefee and Mehki Menefee. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and many other family members and dear friends.

Guest Book

He was truly an inspiration to me and deposited so much Wisdom in me, that helped me become the man I am today. He is already truly missed. Stay strong family. Rev. Dr. Nate Dunlap, Jr.

- na

I never met him but I feel as though I missed out of meeting a real honest good American. Serving honorably his service to his country inspite of the obstacles in his way at home. I will never leave this memory behind of someone more than worthy of praise. It is an honor to have heard his name and to walk this earth knowing he walked with me. May his family know that he was a treasure to live and touch him. May God bless you

- na

To the Menefee Family, We all benefited for having Deacon Nathaniel Menefee in our lives. We are better off because of the lessons he taught with his life. We salute him for his service to our God, to our community and to our country. Peace and blessings, Ralph and Dot Bryant

- na

Thank you, Lord for 101 years of life. Thank you, for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives. Thank you, for his military dedication in serving our country.. AND Thank you, for the faithful dedication in service, to our Lord and Savior!! Amen Amen Amen !! <>< Sincerely, Gail Bellamy Mitchell<>< Pace, FL

- na

To the Menefee family, Please accept my prayers and condolences for the loss of your loved one. May your memories and love for each other comfort you during this time. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5 LaTresa Comer

- na

My sincere condolences and prayers are with our family for the loss of a great and remarkable man Uncle Nat. You always was a kind and genuine to me and you have lived the longest from the elder Menefee relatives. Give my grandmother Maurine your twin sister a kiss for me. You will definitely be missed and I love you my sweet Uncle Nat. Camille Ford-Williams

- Camille Ford-Williams

Deacon Menefee will truly be missed he has touched so many people's lives in this community. He was like a walking book of knowledge always willing to share information on anything from the Bible to just life lessons. I would like to send my prayers, condolences and love out to the family. Nicholas Williams

- na

Guy, my prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your dad always was so sweet to me whenever I saw him. He always greeted me with that beautiful smile. I want you to know that even though he is no longer with you, his legacy that he has left shows you his unwavering love for his family. Be strong in your Faith and continue to hold on to "GOD'S UNCHANGING HAND!" God Bless You & Your Family.(Joyce Patterson & Mom)

- na

To the Menefee Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be truly and dearly missed, but take comfort in knowing he's at rest now. His Love and Guidance will be forever a part of you and his memory will live on in the memory of those who knew him. Lillie Walden

- na

I'm deeply sorry for your loss, words can not express. But the Bible gives us hope and comfor lt to know real soon death will be done away with. Revelation 21:3,4 explains how we will not be in anymore pain because the former things have passed away. For more information please visit www.JW.org

- na

I'm deeply sorry for your loss, words can not express. But the Bible gives us hope and comfor lt to know real soon death will be done away with. Revelation 21:3,4 explains how we will not be in anymore pain because the former things have passed away. For more information please visit www.JW.org

- na

My condolences and prayers with the family, continue to keep you in prayer. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church,Victoria Griffin.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🌹❤️

- na

What can you say about a man who lived to see 101 years? Deacon Menefee was a Godly man, he could tell you about the Bible and where to find it without looking in the Bible. He was well known in all churches and taught bible study in several churches. I could sit and listen to him all day talking about the goodness of the Lord! He and my parents were very good friends. If anyone make it to heaven Deacon Memefee did. Condolences to his family! Gwen Pitts, Phenix City, Al.

- na

I offer condolences and prayers to the Menefee family as you deal with yet another loss. My heart ❤️ goes out to you. Take comfort in knowing that he lived a long and blessed life where he was respected and loved. God bless. - Waleisah Wilson

- na

✨TO MY MENEFEE FAMILY...UNCLE NATE WAS A DEDICATED CHURCH & FAMILY MAN. I HAVE FOREVER MEMORIES OF VISITING AS KIDS ON BAILEYHILL, FROM CUTTING THRU THE YARD TO HIT THE BACK OF THE BROOKS PROPERTY TO CLIMBING THE CLAY HILL AT THE EDGE OF THE PROPERTY.. WE ALL LOVED MY GRANDFATHER'S BROTHER, MY POP'S UNCLE, MY GREAT UNCLE AND HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY MANY AND REMEMBER BY ALL THE CHURCH FOLKS WHO LIVES HE HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON... Love u "Unk Nay"‼️♥️ ~ Ur Great Niece, Temeka "Meeko" Menefee & Family (Baileyhill, Birmingham, Atlanta GA)

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Taylor Funeral Home, Inc | Phenix City, AL