Nathaniel Dula, 91 of Lenoir, NC passed away quietly on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Veterans Hospital in Salisbury, NC.
Mr. Dula was born in Caldwell County on July 18, 1918, to the late William and Flossie Dula. Nathaniel was twelve (12) years old when his father became ill and suffered a heart attack. He took his father’s place in the work force, and helped to support his family, which consisted of three sisters: Valerie, Susie and Beulah, and two brothers: Louis and William. Regrettable his father died when he turned twenty (20). In spite of losing his childhood and being thrust into manhood Nathaniel developed into a man of honor with great values, faith, being a man of his word, and loyal to his family and friends.
In 1942 the Army drafted Nathaniel into the war, where he was wounded and almost died. In 1945, Nathaniel married Mary Ruth Lipford, and in 1946 they had their first child, Peggy. Their family quickly grew as Mary Jane and Nancy Lee were also born. Three years later, Nathaniel’s name sake was born, William Nathaniel (Billy). Nine years pasted and everyone was sure the family had been completed when Rickey made his grand entrance into the family.
Mr. Dula is survived by his five children, William Nathaniel “Billy” Dula of Conover, Rickey Dula of Lenoir, Peggy Mallard of Mocksville, Mary Ann Horton of Winston Salem and Nancy Lee Dula of Lenoir; thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren; and a special friend Lorraine Icard. He was a member of Dulatown Presbyterian Church.
Over the years Nathaniel used soft words of love to raise his children, and because off this they respected him, but that respect has grown in awe and wonder as he took loving care of his wife during her illness and death.
He received the purple heart for bravery and being a prisoner of War in World War II but that could never compare to the medal of love he now wears so proudly around his neck. His children, who sat so lovingly by his side, wish to thank God for blessing them with this patient and kind old gentleman they call father. For he has enriched their lives beyond words, and they ask God to take care and bless him always.
A funeral service for Mr. Dula will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2010 at Dulatown Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am, with burial following the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 9, 2010 from 7:00 pm till 8:30 pm at Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory here in Lenoir.
Memorials may be made to the Dulatown Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 982 Lenoir NC, 28645.
Online condolences to the family may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com
Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dula family.
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