Nathan Smalls, lovingly known as "Geechie Boy/Cool Black," peacefully entered eternal rest on March 9, 2026, at the age of 71. He was born on October 13, 1954, on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston, South Carolina, to Esther Smalls Carpenter (deceased) and Joseph Rivers Jr.

Nathan received his early education in Charleston, South Carolina, where he attended Heart Gap Elementary School. Continuing his education in Putman, and Palm Beach County.

In 1972, while in Onancock, Virginia, Nathan met the love of his life. From that moment on, they built a life together filled with love, commitment, and devotion, sharing 53 beautiful years side by side.

Years after moving to South Florida in 1964. Nathan started his agriculture career, which he did for 49 years, a job he took great pride in. He often introduced himself as "the important man on the job," a phrase that perfectly reflected his strong work ethic and sense of humor. He continued working in the field he loved until his health began to decline, leading him to step away from one of the many things he truly enjoyed.

Nathan was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and deeply family-oriented man. He loved taking road trips and made it a tradition to alternate destinations between New York, Virginia, and his hometown in South Carolina. One of his greatest joys was gathering the children during the holidays and taking them on rides to look at Christmas lights, creating memories they would never forget. Through his kindness and warmth, he earned the special titles of "Uncle Nate" and "Granddad" from many children whose lives he touched along the way.

Nathan was far more than an ordinary man. Whenever he stepped out, he made sure to look his best — neatly pressed khaki pants, a button-down shirt, and his well-known brown sandals with the holes in them, as one of his nieces lovingly described. His appearance reflected the pride he carried in himself every day.

Many who knew Nathan often spoke about the conversations they shared with him. He had a way of offering words of wisdom — little gems of life advice that people would carry with them forever. His guidance, humor, and honesty left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Nathan was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Smalls, and his sisters, Sandra Clarke and Sylvia Carpenter.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory devoted Wife Deborah Smalls. Children: Tyrone Davis, Tarsa Davis, Sabrina Smalls, Ronkevious Smalls, and a devoted bonus daughter, Valkeshia Lewis.

He was the proud grandfather of Mikeis Cason, Randolph Jackson III, LaTajanea Hammond, Ajavian Hammond, TyAsia Adams, and Lewell Brown, and a loving bonus grandfather to Oc'Taviyah Dent, Brooklynn Dent, Zanaya McFarland, Zaquviah Green, Johnquavious Green Jr., and Zion Green, Kimmy Alexander

He also leaves behind four cherished great-grandchildren: Railyn King-Jackson, Rhylee Jackson, Reign Jackson, and Saniyah Tucker.

Nathan is also survived by his brothers: David (Laura) Jones, Willie (Francina) Rivers, and Willie Carpenter Jr., Bonus brother Dervin (Lillian) Smalls, Desmond Smalls. sisters: Mattie (Robert) Mobley, Betty Zanders, Joanne Rivers, Sandra (Robert) Martin, and Angeline (George) Oliver, Bonus sister Kathy Simmons.

Brother-in-law: Thomas (Marie) Davis. Sister-in-law: Sallie (Carl) Owens. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.