Nathaniel Harris

Nathaniel Harris was born in Wilson, North Carolina on October 20, 1938 to the parents of Ambrosia Harris and Sarah Darden Harris. He was the third born of the Harris’ five children: John, Catherine, Nathaniel, Delores and Viola. Growing up, Nathaniel was affectionately known as “Little Joe,” because he was so small compared to the other kids. He was always a hard worker, holding jobs in his youth as a tobacco cropper, a newsboy, and most memorably, at a local creamery. The siblings eagerly awaited “Little Joe” to finish his shifts at the creamery, because he’d often return home with ice cream, although it had melted by the time he made it home. He was known to selflessly give every cent he earned to their mother to help the household. Nathaniel completed his formal education at Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson, North Carolina, where he received the accolade of “most compassionate” in the yearbook. After graduation, he served in the United States Army for a term of three years. His next chapter led him to follow his older brother, John, to Newark, New Jersey, for work. This is where he met the love of his life, a carhop at the White Castle Restaurant. Her name was Claudia Mae Smitherman, but that did not remain her name for long. Nathaniel and Claudia were married in 1961 and remained inseparable ever since. Nathaniel and Claudia began their family with the birth of their son, Dwaine, on May 25, 1960. They spent many years together at their home in South Plainfield, New Jersey. In his free time, Nathaniel enjoyed playing golf and fishing on his boat with his son. His family was expanded further with the addition of his two grandchildren, Sasha Harris, in 1989 and Davon Harris, in 1994. Nathaniel worked at the Prudential Insurance Company for over 25 years and was fortunate to retire at the age of 55, at which point he and Claudia relocated to their present home in Duluth, Georgia in 1995. With the majority of their immediate family remaining in New Jersey, Nathaniel and Claudia frequently embarked on the 12-hour car ride to New Jersey for many holidays to be with their son and grandchildren, which were some of Nathaniel’s fondest memories. The family enjoyed traveling together to many places, such as the Bahamas, Cancun, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head. They enjoyed many laughs, meals and experiences together. Nathaniel was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, supporting his family through college, moves, health challenges, and so much more. Nathaniel was known for his outward kindness and generosity, often seeking ways to help others. Nathaniel made his transition into his heavenly eternity on April 15, 2025. Nathaniel was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrosia Harris and Sarah Darden Harris; his brother, John Harris; and many other loved ones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Harris; his son, Dwaine Harris; grandchildren, Sasha Harris (David) Williams and Davon Harris; his siblings, Catherine (Nathaniel) Roberson, Delores Ashley and Viola (Richard) Sanders, as well as many close relatives and friends. While he is deeply missed on Earth, the family finds solace knowing that Heaven gained an angel. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at our Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM with at our Gwinnett Chapel 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045 770-338-5558.

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Nathaniel Harris

October 20, 1938 - April 15, 2025