Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

God sent his angel to summon his servant, Nathaniel Alexander Penn, from labor into the arms of God on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

Nathaniel “Nate” Penn was born September 13, 1939 to the union of the late Nathaniel Alexander Penn, Sr. and Helen Blaney Penn from Sun, WV. He was the youngest of eight children born to this union. Nate attended school in Beckley, WV until he joined the military at the age of 17, where he would earn his High School Equivalence.

Nate was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After his military service, he was employed in New Haven, Connecticut as a 1st Class Lineman for United Illuminated Electrics Services until his retirement.

Nate moved back home to Oak Hill, WV in 1999. After being home for a while and traveling to Cleveland, OH. Nate would meet the love of his life, Willie Mae Bogan and in 2011 they would enter into the covenant of marriage.

Nate, at an early age, accepted Christ and was baptized. Realizing that his salvation was sure. Nathaniel Penn united with the First Baptist Church, Harlem Heights under the leadership of Pastor Paul Baker and later under Pastor Rev. Charles E. Brown, where he would be ordained as a Deacon and serve in the Sunday School Lessons.

Nate, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Penn and Ralph Penn and four sisters; Mildred Penn, Juanita Penn, Hazel Valentine and Flossie Bradshaw.

Nate leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife Willie Mae Penn of 8 years of marriage, children; Anthony Nathaniel (Tasha) Smith of New Orleans, La., Nathaniel Marco (Kathleen) Penn, Pamela V. Penn, Natasha Butler, all of New Haven, CT, Kim M. Bogan and George H. Gunn, both of Cleveland, OH; 27 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; nephews, Nathan Shelton, Ronald (Mary) Shelton, Hobart (Vivian) Shelton, Victor (Lydia) Shelton; nieces; Flossie Craig, Betty McCann and Grace Gray; sisters-in-law, Lola Cannon, Francine Jones and Jeradine Brewer, along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, December 1, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Harlem Heights 416 Broadway Ave. Oak Hill with Rev. Charles E. Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.