Memorial Service will be held 1:00pm Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Long Beach Colonial Mortuary Chapel 638 Atlantic Ave Long Beach, CA 90802

Interment: Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518

Obituary

Known to almost everyone as "Yancey", Nathaniel Yancey was born to Lloyd Yancey and Betty Walters on July 30, 1936, in Roxboro, North Carolina.

During his childhood and teen years in Roxboro, Yancey spent most of his time at the home of his grandparents while attending Person County Schools and, as he described it, "going to church ALL the time!" After leaving school, he joined the United States Army and faithfully served his country for four years, stationed mainly in Southern California. At the end of his military career in 1959, when Yancey was given the choice of remaining in Southern California or returning to North Carolina, he decided to remain in Southern California and settled in Long Beach - possibly because of his appreciation for beautiful scenery and beautiful women!

Yancey was a hard working, dedicated man that built a great life for himself and his family by working in car dealerships and, later, joining the Public Works Department at the City of Long Beach. During his career as an Electrician with the city, Yancey made many life-long friendships and demonstrated his love for others by always making sure his neighborhood was well maintained.  Yancey was an avid sports fan - especially when it came to the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and the Los Angeles Lakers – but he was a huge baseball fan and showed his appreciation for the game by cheering on his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and playing softball for many years at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and other parks throughout Los Angeles County. At one point, he even managed The Honey Bunch, a local softball team that he founded alongside his friend Billy Dennis. Yancey was also a devoted supporter of Long Beach Poly Football, attending games every Friday night. After his retirement, Yancey could most often be found sitting on his front porch, spending time with his family and friends, and being a surrogate father to the young men in the neighborhood - many of which struggled through life's challenges. For these young men, Yancey stepped in to tell them things he felt they needed to hear, even though they weren't always receptive.

Yancey departed this life on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at his home. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Jefferies; an infant brother; and his love of many years, Ms. Diane W. Williams. He leaves behind four children, Wesley, Endre, Dede and Damon Yancey; two grandchildren, Ajah and Damaje Yancey; and a host of extended family and friends.