Nathaniel Lee Spates Sr.

He attended public schools in Decatur graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1972. While he was there he was a member of the basketball team. Years later he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he

met his present wife Phyllis Pryor Spates and they were married on July 1,1994.

Nate was employed by Blakely’s and later by the ADM Milling Co in Beech Grove, where he retired in 2016. After he retired he wanted to stay busy so he started working for the Goodwill Industries store on East Washington St.

Nate loved all sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football. His favorite teams were the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. He also loved traveling, and he and Phyllis traveled across the country for vacations, and attending games.

Nate was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church and in 2009 he and Phyllis joined the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He served in the Finance Office and presently served in the Senior Usher’s Ministry.

Nate is preceded in death by his father, R.T. Spates, mother Delores Spates, brother Ralph Spates, sisters Vonzetta Bond, and Elonda Manney.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Phyllis. His sons; Nathaniel Lee Spates, Jr (Rachel Levine) of Memphis, Tennessee and Isaiah Spates of Arlington, Texas. Two granddaughters, Cahle and Amelia of Memphis. His sisters Inita Spates of Indianapolis and Lisa Spates of Decatur, Illinois. Beverly Pena of Aurora, Illinois and Jenell Spates of Dallas, Texas. His brothers, Gary (Patricia) Spates of Decatur, Illinois. Kevin and Dewayne (Dawuana) Spates of Indianapolis. His brother in law, Calvin (Erma) Pryor and a sister in law Carolyn Pryor Stiger of Louisville, Kentucky. A host of nephews, nieces, and his Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church family.