CONCORD – Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, Emmett Nathan (Nate) Kimbrough departed this life to be with our heavenly father on Sunday, September 23, 2012 in Concord, North Carolina.

He was born in Harris County, Georgia to the late John and Allene Johnson Kimbrough on December 15, 1939. He was the second of nine children and the first son.  At an early age, he joined the Mt. Commodore African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a 1958 graduate of Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University in 1966. He received his Master of Arts Degree from Northeastern Illinois State College in 1970.

While at Tennessee State, he met the love of his life, Diane Lee Peele. The two were joined in holy matrimony on December 26, 1965. To this union, two daughters, Assata Nefertari Kimbrough and Jamila Nataki Kimbrough were born. Everyone who knew him knew his three girls were the apples of his eye.

He initially worked for the public school system in Chicago, Illinois.  In 1971, he moved to North Carolina and began his career in public instruction. His first assignment was at the John P. Law School in Merry Hill, North Carolina. From there, he went on to be principal, consultant with the State Department of Public Instruction, Site Specialist, and Superintendent of Weldon City Schools where he retired from in 2003.

Upon his retirement, he continued his love of education and worked with Elizabeth City State University as a mentor for new principals and instructional staff. He also became licensed as a bail bondsman. Nate was also a licensed barber for many, many years.

Nate had an incredible love of life and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was expressed in his many church and civic affiliations which include:  Deacon, Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church; Life Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Member, National Retired Educators Association; Member, NAACP, Master Mason, Palestine Lodge, Lewiston, NC and many others.

Nate leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Diane Lee Peele Kimbrough; two daughters, Assata Kimbrough (Eddie) Buffaloe and Jamila Kimbrough (Rhynda Jr.) Riddick; two adopted sons, Ray Sharpe Felton (Kia) and Jeffery Felton; three grandchildren, Aren Kimbrough Buffaloe, Aiden Bryce Felton, and Jayden Kimbrough Riddick; and three step-grandchildren, Bryan Christopher Buffaloe, Micheal Terrell Buffaloe, Dashon Marquail Riddick. Also he leaves one brother, John Kimbrough, Chicago, IL; six sisters, Laila (Wali) Karim, Chicago, IL, Johnnie (Leo) Thomas, Chicago, IL, Evelyn (Daniel) Small, Jonesboro, GA, Freddie Chambers, Tacoma, WA, Carolyn (Ralph) Beasley, Phenix City, AL, Forriestene Buford, Phenix City, AL; one aunt, Beatrice Pitts, Detroit, MI; nineteen nieces and nephews; a host of other relatives; and numerous devoted friends.

Nate touched so many lives through his loving and honest take on life. His take charge personality will be missed. His spirit will live on in our lives forever.