Nathanial Nuckols

Nathanial Nuckols was born on January 26, 1931 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Ms. Letha Mae Nuckols. Nathanial was a farm boy at heart. He grew up in an American Indian reservation in Oklahoma where he learned to care for animals and make rope from twine, a skill he passed on to his son. Because he was an Indian boy, he was picked on, got into a little trouble and this is what led him to join the military. He joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He served in various bases, including one in Minnesota. His goal was to get to a warmer climate. His last assignment was at Lackland AFB was fortuitous. He loved San Antonio because of the temperature. In 1950 Natanial married Rose Lee and to this union one son was born. After serving 20 years in the United States Air Force; Nathanial settled into a small tract of land in Martinez, just east of San Antonio. In 1968 he fixed up an old house at the far end of his property and opened a small community grocery store near the frontage road in the Gardendale area that was considered to be out in the country. Nathanial's store was a 20 by 40 foot wooden shed that never got air-conditioning. He named the grocery store Mr. KAN's using the initials from his son's name Kirk A. Nuckols. His customers called him "Nuckols" or "Mr. Kane", which was a country mispronunciation of KAN. Nathanial was a vital member of the community. He was more about helping others than making a business and extended credit to the area residents. He owned and operated the grocery store for 40 years until a stroke slowed him down four years ago. Nathanial enjoyed playing dominoes and enjoyed going fishing with a group of special friends. You could also find him at the local HEB store socializing with the community. His wish was to go back to his house because he said " I want to die at home, on my land, on my property". On Monday, March 19, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. he passed away in his beloved house. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, David James Gordon. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his home going, his son, Kirk A. Nuckols and his wife Monica; his sister, Rosetta Alston; three grandchildren, Cody A. , Bianca and Simone Nuckols; great-granddaughter, D'Asia Harmon; sisters-in-law, Audrey and Elizabeth Duhart; a host of relatives and friends.