Retired US Army Sergeant Major Nathaniel “Nate” Edward Mickens was born in Whitmire, SC on December 31, 1935 to the late Roger & Florence Mickens.
Nate (as he was affectionately called) graduated from Sims High School in Union, SC in 1956. In 1959, he chose to follow his dreams and joined the US Army to serve his country and travel the world.
While on tour in Iran, Nate met Shirin Rafati-Afshar and they were united in matrimony in August, 1967. To this union, they were blessed with a beautiful bouncing baby girl, Vivian Cozette Mickens, who quickly became the sparkle in Nate’s eyes. Throughout his military career and after, Vivian remained the joy of Nate’s life as he served his country and raised his daughter.
Nate retired from Army active duty in September, 1989. During his 30 years of service to his country, Nate received many honors, awards and commendations which included: Humanitarian Service Medal (1), Meritorious Service Medal (1), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1), Army Good Conduct Medal (9), Army Commendation Medal (3), Overseas Service Ribbon (6), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), National Defense Service Medal (1), Army Service Ribbon, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1) and Legion of Merit. Nate was proud to have served his country and humbly carried his pride into retirement.
His life was further blessed in January, 1995 when he received his new title of ‘Grandpa’ at the birth of his only grandchild, Jasmine Simone Mayfield. His humbleness and pride now had three reasons to shine brightly – his service to his country, his love for his daughter (Vivian) and his sheer joy for his granddaughter (Jasmine).
Nate accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age, and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Pflugerville, TX where he was active in the Seniors Sunday School. He had a deeply rooted love for the Lord and his faith kept him strong. Sergeant Major, Daddy, Grandpa and Child of God – four titles he was proud to have and wore well.
After suffering several strokes, God called Nate home to eternal rest on Thursday, October 25, 2012, and allowed him the joy of walking through Heaven’s gates alongside his daughter Vivian.
Nathaniel Edward Mickens is preceded in death by his parents – Roger & Florence Mickens, and four siblings – Howard Mickens Sr, Virginia Mickens, Johnnie Mae Mickens, George Mickens.
He leaves to cherish fond memories: his granddaughter – Jasmine Simone Mayfield, several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and very special friends.
Mr. Mickens will lie in-state between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2012 for friends to pay respects at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2211 E. MLK Blvd., Austin. Interment with military honors will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, that you please make a donation in memory of Nathaniel Edward Mickens to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or in memory of Vivian Cozette Mickens Mayfield to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).
Please visit Mr. Mickens’ memorial site at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com where you may leave condolences and share memories with his family.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5