You were a great friend and constant supporter...I'll always be grateful for all you taught me

So many memories but my favorite is 26 years ago at Chantilly detox at my 1st meeting.  I was silent and scared; Nate came up to me after the meeting, lifted my head up with one finger, and said you don't ever have to look down again because it's okay today.  I will hear those words forever.  Thanks my friend for years of true friendship and love.  See you on the other side, Cotton Candy

It's OK2Day!  Thanks for being here when I got here!

To my fellow South Carolinian!!

Cheers, brother Nate! Congratulations on a Life beautifully lived!
It is indeed OK TODAY!!

I met Nate back in November 1991 when I was first getting sober. I was very young and really felt out of place and insecure, Nate is one of the few people I remember who smiled and genuinely welcomed me and took an interest in me as a person. We used to celebrate our AA anniversaries together for many years since we both had her anniversary around the same time.

I was pretty hard on myself, and used to feel hopeless that my life is off track (at 22 yrs old haha), but I always look up to Nate as an example home and have a rich full life and start it over anytime you want. He really was an inspiration to me. we lived in the same neighborhood so I ran into him frequently. Over the recent years, I lost touch with him so I didn't realize how serious his health issues were when I heard about them recently.

Nate really taught me no matter what everything is going to be OK today. I carry that with me even now.

So please remember… No matter what, "it's OK today"

Play attached the video I have of him playing his harmonica after he led a speaker's meeting back in 2012. I had other recordings but I can't find them yet.  If you want the full video (if it doesn’t upload here In it’s full 5:5 minute entirety), email me cmissal@gmail.com.

Nate was always such an inspiration to so many of us. You will surely be missed! I told some stories about you this morning at Unity and seeing the Promises come true in your life. Rest in peace brother. Mike Smith, Falls Church

I’ll miss you. You made my life a better place. Walking into recovery with you was a privilege I’ll never forget.  Love JMT

Nate was always there for me. This is just one of many examples. Nate and John were in the back room keeping me calm before my wedding ceremony began.

Nate you showed up at meetings when I was starting to recover. Simply your presence instilled in me something I wanted. Thank you for your presence all of my recovery.

When I think of you, I hear your harmonica. You told me not to get stuck in grief.  Goodbye, my old friend. I'll miss you.
Paula Steele

Nate,
You were, and are, an inspiration in the spirituality and kindness you exuded.

It was an honor to call you a friend, and to give you rides to\from meetings.

The Old Timers Speaker Meeting has never been the same since you used to start that huge meeting with a prayer, which set the tone of serenity and Gratefulness for all the rest of us.

Thank you for being Nate! 🙏

Nate always had a full and grateful heart which always showed. He was always willing and happy to help others and he never forgot those that helped him along the way.

My condolences to those he loved and to those that loved him.  May he rest in peace.

Joyce Black

Nate—your friendship had special meaning for me.  I knew you for many years—you had a determination and steadfastness in your life, a sense of strength and a heart of love.  All of these powers you used to impact everyone in your life.  My brother, I’m proud and profoundly grateful to have had you in my life.

Love you forever, Nate! "Put your hand in the Man's Hand. It's ok today. 
Love and prayers, 
Maggie and Steve (Class of '89)

OBITUARY

Nathaniel Ford

March 31, 1948 – September 11, 2023

Murphy Funeral Homes

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