Nathaniel Kelvin Buggs was born November 4, 1966, in Harbor City, California to Pastor David Buggs and Mavis Bishop Buggs.  He was the fourth of five children born to this union.  Both parents preceeded him in death.

At a young age, Nathaniel accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior; but it wasn't until he was older that he understood the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ.  As a youth he participated in Sunday school, youth ministry and youth choir.

Nathaniel, (affectionately known to many as Nate) resided with his parents and siblings in Long Beach, California and Carson, California.  He attended Carnegie Middle School, Banning High School and participated in several recreational sports.  After graduation from high school, Nathaniel went on to further his education at Long Beach City College and received his Associates degree.  He then transferred to San Diego State University where he obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Public Administration.  It is here that many lifetime friends were made and where he acquired another big brother, Bill James; his roommate of 10+ years.

As a young man Nathaniel held many jobs to include: working at an arcade, for FedCo and other companies.  After graduating college he began to establish himself in his career path with his first position being at the County of San Diego.  Here he had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Rosie Greer.  After leaving the county, Nathaniel went on to work for the San Diego Workforce Partnership (formerly San Diego Consortium and Private Industry Council). Here he worked his way from the ground up starting in youth programs and ending his 21 year career as the Chief Operating Officer & Interim CEO.  After a brief break in employment, Nathaniel moved on to become the Chief Operating Officer for the San Diego Rescue Mission, where he concluded his career.

While working at San Diego Workforce Partnership, Nathaniel met Tanisha, the 16 year old daughter of a coworker he had befriended.  Tanisha often came to visit her mom for lunch as they were both working downtown.  During these times, Tanisha and Nathaniel became friends, and in his words he found her to be, "potential wife material".  Over the years, Nathaniel and Tanisha remained friends and around her 20th birthday, quietly began dating and fell in love.   On August 29, 1998, in his dad's newly built church (Central Baptist), where you sit today, the two were wed.  From this union were born three beautiful children; Lydia, Ariyanna and Nathaniel "Isaiah".  Following in their parents love for sports, the children are all athletes in their own right, of which Nathaniel relished in.  He enjoyed watching each of them play & perform whether on the soccer field, track field, basketball court or football field.  Nathaniel often displayed photos of such on his Facebook page.  Nathaniel and Tanisha always encouraged the children to be their best, and they have.  But what Nathaniel admired most was how intelligent, respectful, loving, strong and amazing they are.

On August 15, 2018, with his loving wife by his side, after a three year battle with colon cancer, Nathaniel transitioned from this life unto his heavenly father.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 19 years Tanisha Bowdan-Buggs; two daughters Lydia Elissa Buggs, Ariyanna Elisabeth Buggs and one son, Nathaniel Isaiah Buggs.  His siblings David L. Buggs, Martha McCollough (James), Dorcas Waddis (Pastor Jerry), Andrew Buggs (Mary); several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

His love, wisdom and friendship will never be forgotten but will forever be cherished!