Nathaniel Lee Self

Nathaniel Lee Self April 2, 1926 – February 10, 2018 Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Lee Self passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on February 10th in Bessemer, AL. Nat was preceded in death by his parents, Sebern Lee and Gladys Roberts Self, his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Louise James Self, three brothers and three sisters. Nat is survived by his son, Matthew Lee Self (Donna), Cindy Self Martin (Cliff), granddaughter Amanda Leigh Self and sister Orlane Snuggs. Nat grew up in the coal mining town of Dora, AL and enlisted in the Navy in 1944 to serve in World War II. He earned the rank of Coxswain, Petty Officer and received four Campaign Ribbons and two Battle Stars during his 16 months of service aboard the USS Mendocino. He loved to tell about his chance meeting on an elevator with General Douglas MacArthur. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Nat returned home to Dora, where he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Louise James. Nat completed his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College, worked at U.S. Pipe and U.S. Steel in Fairfield then accepted a role in administration at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for 26 years. Nat was very active in the community. He founded two new Civitan Clubs in the Birmingham area, served as PTA President and volunteered at The First United Methodist Church of Bessemer. Telling stories was something that Nat enjoyed greatly. After retiring, he took up writing and completed two books, Echoes of the Great Depression and WWII American Spirit, and donated the proceeds to the Mission of Hope in Dora, AL. Nat was completely devoted to the things he cared about most; his country, his family, his neighborhood in Bessemer, his hometown of Dora, the University of Alabama, his Church and his Lord. Psalm 23; The Lord is My Shepherd was his favorite. A Celebration of Nat’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 13th at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla. Visitation will be at 10:30 and the service at 11:30. Interment will be held afterwards in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Pleasant Hill UMC in McCalla or The Mission of Hope in Dora would be greatly appreciated.

Nathaniel Lee Self

April 2, 1926 - February 10, 2018