Nathaniel Friends

Nate wasbornonJuly5,1973, to Nathaniel Sr. & Sarah in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1995, where he majored in Government and Foreign Affairs and played collegiate soccer. During his time at UVA, he was among a select group of players who won four consecutive National Championships. After college, Nate took a gap year to pursue his soccer career & competed as a member of the 1995-1996 US Soccer Team.

He later attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating in1999, where he was a second-generation member of the Legal Education Opportunities (LEO) program.

After graduating from law school, Nate began his professional journey as an Associate Attorney at Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, followed by King & Spalding, where he built a solid foundation in legal practice. In 2004, inspired by his father’s career, he transitioned into corporate law, accepting a role as Assistant General Counsel at AOL. That move marked the beginning of a career that would increasingly blend law, business strategy, and technology.

Following his time at AOL, Nate relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he joined Microsoft, advancing through the organization over the course of 11 years. He was promoted to Senior Director of Global Business Development for AzureIoT/ Industries, playing a key role in expanding Microsoft’s presence at the intersection of cloud computing & industry solutions.

After more than a decade at Microsoft, Nate took the next step in his career by moving to Austin, Texas, to join Amazon Web Services. There, he served as Principal, Worldwide Business Development for Energy, Power & Utilities, continuing his work at the forefront of technology, innovation, & global impact.

Nate was an intelligent & deeply caring man who lived life with kindness& generosity. He had a true love for soccer—whether he was watching the game, talking about it, or spending time on the pitch, it brought him joy. More than anything else, Nate was a devoted family man who put his wife & children at the center of his world. He had a gift for conversation & could talk for hours with friends or family about anything; he truly never met a stranger. Nate valued connections & made a point to stay in touch with those he loved, leaving behind lasting friendships & countless cherished memories.

Nate will forever be missed by all who knew & loved him. Nate was preceded in death by his father, Nate Sr., and his stepmother, Debra Yarbrough. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Friends; his beloved children, Alex, and Max Friends; his mother, Sarah Friends; and his stepmother, Barbara Friends, his brothers, Namon (Candise) Friends, & Jason (Crystal) Friends; his sister, Stephanie (Chris) Holt; his sister-in-law, Paula Kinder; four stepsisters, Erika, Koshii, Bynia, & Myehla; & his stepbrother, Kimani. Nate deeply loved all his nieces, nephews, & grandniece.

A memorial service for Nathaniel will be held on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 11 AM at Cook Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 N. IH 35, Pflugerville TX 78660. Please join the family after the celebration of life for a light reception at the same location.