Nathaniel Elijah Forbes was born in Miami, Florida, Dade County, on July 12,
1924, to Deborah and Elijah Forbes. They relocated to Nassau, Bahamas when Nat
was 3 or 4 years old, where he spent his formative years. During his schooling in the
Bahamas, he excelled as one of the best track and field runners. Outside of school, he
cherished moments spent on the beach and picnics with his family, as well as his
involvement in the Episcopal Church choir.
In 1942, at the age of 18, Nathaniel returned to the USA, specifically New York City, to
reside with his Aunt Estella. At 19, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, undergoing basic
training in Great Lakes, Illinois, before being transferred to Oklahoma and subsequently
California. His naval journey led him to Hawaii, where he served as a military police
officer for 3 years. After falling ill in Hawaii, he returned stateside via California and was
honorably discharged in 1947. He then found employment in a defense plant,
assembling airplane wings.
In 1948, Nathaniel married his first love, Esther Spruill, and they were blessed with five
children: Betty, John, Nathaniel Jr., Vanessa, and David. Leaving the defense plant, he
devoted 30 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1983.
In 1985, Nathaniel and Esther chose to spend their golden years in sunny Ocala,
FL, indulging in travel and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Joining the Seventh-day
Adventist Church in 1987, Nathaniel actively served as the Sabbath School teacher,
Sabbath School superintendent, and deacon.
In 1993, when Esther suffered two strokes, Nathaniel became her devoted caregiver,
tending to her needs daily until her passing in 1997. Later, in 1998, he found love once
again and married Andre Ramfort, with whom he spent many joyful years, showering
each other with love and companionship.
Nathaniel is survived by his two children (Cecil and Vanessa passed away), nine
grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, extended family members, numerous church
members, and friends who mourn his loss deeply.