Nathaniel Pauling Jr.

May 1, 1942 - April 26, 2021

Nathaniel Pauling Jr. was born May 1, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to Nathaniel Sr. and Bertha Pauling. In 1962, Nate joined the Air Force. Nate had a highly successful 26-year career in the United States Air Force serving at several duty stations including Osan Air Force Base in Korea, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, and finally retiring from March Air Force Base in California. During his military time, Nate worked in aircraft mechanics, he was a crew chief, and he served as a flight line supervisor working on large cargo planes (B-52’s, C-141’s, C-5’s, KC 10’s and KC 135’s). Throughout his time in the Air Force, Nate was decorated with several medals including: • Air Force accommodation medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters • Air Force longevity service award ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster • Air Force outstanding unit award with two bronze oak leaf clusters • National defense service medal • Military education graduate ribbon • Air Force overseas long tour ribbon • Air Force overseas short tour ribbon • Air Force training ribbon • Air Force good conduct • Non-Commissioned Officers Professional The highlight of Nate’s career was achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 1984. Nate turned in his wings in 1988, retiring from the United States Air Force. After retirement, Nate moved on to have careers with Northrop Grumman and Chrysler, before finally retiring from civilian work in 2005. In 1968, Nate met the love of his life, Patsy Porter while serving a short assignment at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. Nate and Patsy enjoyed 47 years of black love, marrying in 1973. In 1974, Nate and Pat welcomed their only child Kareem Abdul Pauling. Nate was a card lover; winning spades, pinochle, and bid whiz games everywhere he lived. Nate was a big sports fan, basketball and football being his favorites. Nate made his transition on Monday, April 26, 2021 and leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Patsy Pauling, son Kareem (Heather) and his five grandchildren Baylie and Mickenzie Sanford Pauling, Tyson, Dylan, and Jayden Pauling; seven siblings Richard, Bertha, Harold, Rosalyn, Cecelia Jackson, Abraham, and Idella Pauling; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.