Nathaniel Legette, Jr., an only child, was born in Marion, South carolina on October 7, 1943 to the late Nathaniel and Annie Legette.

Nate was baptized at an early age and attended St. John AME in Marion, South Carolina. He realized that God was his strength and source so he confessed Christ as Lord and committed his life to the service of God. In 1991 he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church  under the Pastorate of Reverend Walter R. Dean. He served faithfully in the Standard Bearers Banner Ministry, Men's Choir (singing Bass), Men's Ministry participant, and the Seniors' Ministry until his health declined. Though his physical body weakened, his faith and devotion to God and his family was forever his rock and solid foundation.

He was educated in the Marion County School System, of which he graduated from Johnakin High School. After graduating high school, Nate attended South Carolina State College. In 1963 he entered into the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for twenty-six years, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He worked 2 years as an Education Training Superintendent, 12 years as a Training Systems Technician, and 12 years and six months as a Security Police Technician. His enlistment afforded him the opportunity to travel the world with tours in Okinawa, Japan and Korea, and stateside in Biloxi, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia.

He received several distinguished awards during his tenure in the military: Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, National defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 service stars, The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm device, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 service star and the AF Good Conduct Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters. Senior master Sergeant Nathaniel Legette, Jr. retired from the United States Air Force in 1990 and worked at Lockheed Martin in Virginia Beach for several years.

It was a Thursday morning, February 6, 2020, at his home in Yorktown, Virginia that God called him to his heavenly home. Though he will be greatly missed, it was indeed the plan and purpose of God for Nate to finally meet his Savior face to face. To God be the Glory!

One daughter, Dr. Dana Denise Legette-Traylor, preceded him in the cessation of life (in 2019).

Nate leaves to cherish his memory, his childhood friend, high school sweetheart, caregiver, devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Jo Harriet; one son, Kenneth (Sondra) Legette of San Antonio, Texas; four granddaughters, Sarah and Veronica of San Antonio, Texas, Madison and Morgan Traylor of Chester, Virginia; one son-in-law, LTC Travis Traylor of Chester, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Dr. James Scott King of Dover, Delaware; one aunt, Mary Scott of Marion, South Carolina; a host of family friends, Buffie Road neighbors and classmates.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 171 Semple Farm Rd., Hampton, VA. Viewing will be from 3-6 pm, Monday, February 10, 2020 at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Nate to Ebenezer Baptist Church Youth Ministry. O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.