Nathaniel E. “Nat” Williams, 67

Nathaniel E. “Nat” Williams passed away peacefully surrounded by his family who loved him very much at Rhode Island Hospital on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Cheryl (Hesketh) Williams. He is survived by his sister, Martha (Williams) Dupuis (Gary Williams) of Middleborough, and his brother, John Williams of Fairfax, Vermont. He was the brother of the late Louise (Williams) (McGrath) Carberry (Dave). He is also survived by nephews Guy Dupuis, Timothy McGrath, Peter McGrath (Carol Daly), Travis Williams, and niece Erica (Williams) Tsuchiya (Keita) and grandnieces, grandnephews and a great-grandniece.

 

Nat was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts on January 4, 1957 to the late Harold H. (Buzzie) Williams and the late Dorothy L. (Horsman) Williams. A graduate of Middleborough High School, Class of 1975, Nat continued his education at University of Maine/Orono earning his BS in Plant and Soil Science in 1979.

 

Nat brought his passion for the earth and high energy back to the family business, Williams Trading Post, as third-generation owner, building greenhouses, growing quality crops from Easter Lilies to Poinsettias and everything in between. He was sought after to speak before garden groups and other organizations, sharing his expertise and knowledge. During the 1990’s along with his wife, Cheryl, the business was expanded to include antiques. Nat successfully operated the family business for twenty years after which he pursued new careers and operated Locust Hill Farm offering produce, plants and other items at the family homestead.

 

The South Middleborough community was important to Nat and he was instrumental in reactivating the South Middleborough Community Fair and the South Middleborough Skating Club in past years. He was a member of the South Middleborough Protective Association at a time when that organization began a quest to restore the South Middleborough School.

 

During his high school years Nat was part of the Cross Country team and played ice hockey, a sport he loved from his early years evolving from fierce competition in pond hockey events at Hunt’s Pond in South Middleborough and Rock Pond in Rock Village. As a young adult he was part of an ice hockey league competing at local rinks.

 

Nat loved the outdoors—hiking in the White Mountains and skiing with family for many years. He enjoyed a good time and, on several occasions, organized a Summer MountainFest enjoyed by many—a somewhat rowdy event.  His brother John remembers the many adventurous hikes that he and Nat embarked on – including getting caught in torrential downpours with intense thunder and lightning on Mount Washington.  Nat also assisted John in coaching junior alpine racers at Wildcat Mountain, NH. We set up slalom courses on crispy frigid mornings while sunrise lit up the awesome alpenglow of Mount Washington, just across Pinkham Notch.  In skiing, Nat transitioned to telemark racing, traveling throughout New England seeking the speed, thrills, and community that ski racing offers.   Those days will be sorely missed, but happy remembrances.

 

Nat was a kind and caring man, often helping others in need. He will be missed by his family and friends.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Williams Trading Post, 556 Wareham Street, Middleborough, MA.  In the event of a winter storm, please stay safe and remember Nat in your hearts.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Nat’s memory to: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, PO Box 1381, Middleboro, MA 02346 or charity of one’s choice.

 

To offer your condolences online please visit our website:  www.oneillfuneral.com 

 

Arrangements are by the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street, Middleboro.