Nathaniel Douglas

Nathaniel Douglas, 72, departed this life on May 9, 2022 at his residence with his devoted wife Carol by his side. Nate was born October 12, 1949, to the late Jack Blankumsee and Julia C. Douglas in Miami, Florida.  Nate and his family relocated to Albany in 1954.  

Nate’s Aunt Effie Douglas raised him at Union Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized at an early age.  He was active in youth groups and many church activities.  

Nate was educated in the Albany City School District, graduating from Philip Schuyler High School in 1969.  He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1970 where he was an Admin Specialist.  Nate served a term in Korea, Germany, Spain, and Paris. He received the Joint Service Accommodation Medal, the AF Achievement Medal, the AF Good Conduct, Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Ribbon, the AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the AF Organizational Excellence Award. He received an honorable discharge after serving 16 years. 

In 1973, he met and married Gloria Wilson and out of this union their son Nathaniel W. Douglas was born. Nate enjoyed spending time with his son playing music, laughing, making family jokes and watching sports. 

Nate relocated to California where he met his present wife, Carol Harris and out of this union was born, La’tizza “T” Douglas. Nate and Carol moved to Albany in 1992. Nate enjoyed spending time with his daughter by sneaking out on their long trips (“don't tell Mommy”). She was his junior best friend. 

Nate was employed at various NYS Agencies, finally retiring from New York State Department of Disability Services in 2015 after 30 years of service.  

Nate enjoyed having his friends over for a good meal and you could find loads of folks at his house at any time. He used his cooking skills for many years heading the culinary department at Union Missionary Baptist Church.   Their home was always filled with the love and laughter of many kids. Nate had a big heart and was always willing to help. Anyone that came to Nate’s door, he took them in. He touched many people with his smile throughout his life.

He enjoyed playing cards, the casino, traveling and dancing. He loved to dress to impress. His family was everything to him, especially his wife Carol. He also enjoyed spending time with his Texas sons.

He is survived by his beloved wife Carol Harris, his son Nathaniel Douglas, daughter La’tizza Douglas (Kelvin HartfieldJr.), stepsons Dondi, Keir, Ladarryl, Bryant (Keke) Harris. His sisters Janie Douglas, Carol Blankumsee, Denise Blankumsee, Jacqueline Blankumsee, Kimberly Blankumsee, Marsha Brown, Melvina Blankumsee, Jackara Blankumsee, Keely Tarber(Tyrone); his brothers Stanely Blankumsee, Micheal Blankumsee, Kenneth Blankumsee, Jack Blankmusee III, Chritopher Brown, and Joshua Blankumsee; 30 plus grandchildren, three aunts Mildred Carter, Odessa Blankumsee, and Arlene Golden. One uncle Solomon Blankumsee. Five Godchildren, Damion (Nikya) Walker, Deson (Shelly) Walker, Samara Miller, Rhonda G. Brown, and Damontre Walker. His extended children, Havock(Quavon), Kelvin, Lucreshia, Cassandra, Joanna, Jocelyne, Rose, SaRaya, Arabia, Deana  and Kimberly. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Julia Douglas and Jack Blankumsee, and niece Laichelle Maye. Two great aunts Ruby and Effie Douglas, brothers Howard and Mitchell Blankumsee, and sister Rosalind Blankumsee. 

He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his Bestie/Sister Lorraine Frierson; his buddies Larry and Danny and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

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