Nathaniel Worley Jr.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Nathaniel “Nate” Worley Jr., passed away peacefully in his home in Hampton, VA on July 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 74 years old.

On January 29, 1951, Nathaniel Worley, Jr. entered the world as the firstborn son to Sarah Jeanette (Burrell) Worley and Nathaniel Worley, Sr. in Philadelphia, PA. Buddy, as he was known as in his younger years, was a proud son of Camden, NJ, educated in the Camden school system, graduating from Camden Catholic High School in 1969. One of his greatest joys during those years was playing the snare drum on the spectacular drumline in the Camden Catholic High School Marching Band. He went on to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Dayton and earned his Master of Social Work from Bryn Mawr College.

He spent his career dedicated to mental health services, working for the Department of Social Services in New Jersey and various Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Services organizations in Ohio. After moving to Virginia, he served both the state of Virginia and the City of Norfolk, affectionately earning the nickname “Nate the State” from his colleagues, who often reminded him “You Have Friends in Virginia.” Later, he worked as a grant writer for Eastern Virginia Medical School before fulfilling his dream of teaching in higher education. He spent 20 years as a professor of social work at Norfolk State University, where he inspired and mentored countless students before retiring in 2023.

His passions outside of teaching, included reading, traveling, spending time with his family, listening to smooth jazz, walking on the beach, and his Buddhist practice. People who know him would describe him as having a warm and compassionate spirit, a great listener, and someone who you could count on to always give sincere encouragement. Nate will forever be known as the “Daimoku King” by his fellow members, always chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the happiness of everyone he knew, especially his cherished family.

Nate shared 28 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Chong Ok. Together, they found joy in traveling, walking along the beach and exploring local national parks. They dreamed of one day buying a camper and traveling across the country to visit the national parks together. They created a life rooted in love and the joy of cherishing each day.

Nate was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Worley Sr. and Sarah Jeanette Worley.

He is survived by his wife, Chong Ok Worley of Hampton, VA; his 4 children, Masten Worley (Angeline) of Dayton, OH, Nia Washington (James Jr.) of Atlanta, GA, Myles Worley of Springfield, OH, and Lily Worley of Hampton, VA; his 10 grandchildren, James III, Miciah, Olivia, Quinn, Vincent, Jaden, Joshua, Payne, Posey and Easton; great-granddaughter, Ameila; his siblings, Linda Worley-Edwards and Arnet Worley Sr. (Gloria) of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Allegro Worley of Marietta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

His memory will live on in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Nate on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2:00pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666 with visitation at 1:00pm.