Nathaniel H. Menefee

08/25/1922 - 11/25/2023

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.