Nathaniel "Nate" Holmes received his Angel Wings on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

It was February 4, 1979, when Nate was born on a snowy Sunday afternoon in Steubenville, OH. He was the son of Angela (Stamper) McNeill and Nathan Holmes. Nate was known for his quiet demeanor, his knack for being a "Mr. Fix It" around the house and with his cars, and for being an overall great person. A great son. A great brother. A great friend. And most importantly, a GREAT FATHER!!

Being the son of military parents, Nate lived and was educated in Germany, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. While in Germany, he made friends with a little boy who lived nearby. Nate spoke no German and his friend, Dennis, spoke very little English. But these two understood the language of friendship. While living in Charleston, SC, Nate attended Goose Creek High School. Nate was a standout football and track participant, and he attended several track invitationals.

A few years after high school, Nate moved from Florida to Virgina where he held careers as a cook in a restaurant as well as a general laborer. He did not mind hard work. At one point Nate even assisted with providing electrical work for a small airport in Maine … in the winter.

For a reason and a season, Nate met, fell in love with, and became engaged to Crystal Stubbs. Together, they and Crystal's older daughter, Maliyah moved to Lititz, PA. Nate and Crystal became parents to Angel Holmes. Soon after Angel's birth, the Lord took Crystal home to her heavenly reward. Nate and Maliyah poured love and caring into baby Angel.

Because of Angel's premature birth, she spent several weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit…and so did Nate. This was not the beginning of fatherhood he envisioned, but he did everything he needed to do to take care of his baby girl. Taking direction from the nurses, Nate's visits to the NICU included kangaroo care, learning how to bathe his newborn, and how to do an excellent swaddle. He would go to work and ensure Maliyah made it to and from school. For a time, he was responsible for the care of a newborn and the health and education of a high school senior. Nate was honored to see Maliyah graduate from high school. He loved and was very proud of her.

Later, while living in the Lancaster area, Alexia C. Landrau came into Nathaniel's life. They fell in love and after years of dating became engaged. Alexia's love for Nate was deep and she continues to pour her love into Angel as if she gave life to her. Alexia's children, Chenia and Shamell became Angel's big sister and brother. Nate especially loved his role of being a grandfather – "Papa" – in the lives of Chenia's children Averie and Xariyah.

Nate was intelligent, humble, quiet but not shy, with a wealth of knowledge. A protector, patient, and lover of life. Being a jokester, Nate loved to laugh whether he was among friends, watching a comedy on television with his family, or attending a comedy show. He had a deep love for music and often shared the music he enjoyed with others on social media. He loved to spend time at the Beach and playing all types of sports. One of his fond memories is playing volleyball on the beach at Virgina Beach, VA.

Nate did not have enemies. He was down to earth and got along with people from all walks of life. He had the uncanny ability to leave a lasting impression on all who had met him. He valued respect first and foremost. Nate loved his family and loved to travel. Last year he vacationed with family on a Disney Cruise and made sure Angel had the princess experience she so much deserved. Nate was able to see white sandy beaches and put his feet in blue sea water.

Nate absolutely LOVED to eat. One of his grandmothers would always say, "I'd rather clothe him than feed him." Some of his favorite foods included chicken wings, breakfast foods, and sweet potato pie. He also loved holiday foods. He made delicious roasted turkey, loved his mother's baked macaroni & cheese, and Gertrudy's smothered pork chops and corned beef hash. He adored his beloved Gertrudy, the name he gave his maternal grandmother.

Nate's greatest joy was spending quality time with Angel. Not long after Angel started attending elementary school, the world (and school) shut down because of COVID-19. Angel had to attend virtual school at home. Nate modified his work schedule to enable him to be at home with Angel; ensuring she received her required education. Nate was beginning to show Angel the basics of cooking. Her favorites are well-seasoned salmon and scrambled eggs. Most recently, Nate learned as much as he could about Minecraft so he could play the video game with her.

Nate leaves so many to cherish his love and memories: his daughter Angel, his mother, Angela McNeill (Gregory); his father, Nathan Holmes (Gloria); his brother, Michael McNeill; his grandmothers Catherine Holmes and Eunice Stamper, Angel's sister, Maliyah Bracey; and Nate's fiancé, Alexia C. Landrau, Alexia's children, Chenia and Shamell, and Alexia's grandchildren, Averie and Xariyah, and a host of relatives and friends. Nathaniel was predeceased by his fiancé Crystal Stubbs.

Nate's untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory will always be cherished by his family and friends. Nate will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his dedication to his loved ones, and the joy he brought to those around him.

A Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received from 10AM until the time of service.

Please consider donating to the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network. lvhn.org/giving Program Designation: Hackerman Patz House