Reverend Dr. Nathan Dell, 93, departed this life on Friday June 13, 2025, at the Laurels of Bon Air Rehabilitation Facility. He was born on August 6, 1931, in Treutlen, Georgia, to the late Della May Hunter and Bishop J. Howard Dell. He was one of seven siblings which included a twin brother, Nathaniel.

Reverend Dell is a graduate of Savannah State College, and Gammon Theological Seminary. He furthered his theological studies at Union Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity School and Bailey International Conference on Expository Preaching, Dallas, Texas. He pastored the Grant Chapel Presbyterian Church in Darien Georgia from 1958-1964. In 1964, he moved to Richmond, Virginia and pastored for a brief time at Eastminister Presbyterian Church before moving to Woodville Presbyterian Church as its full minister for thirty-two years. In 1996, he retired from Woodville Presbyterian Church. In retirement, he served as Interim pastor of All Souls Presbyterian Church and First United Presbyterian Church.

Reverend Dell taught Introduction to Preaching, Advanced Preaching and Homiletics at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University from 1983 – 2015. He was a biblical scholar, who was loved by students and faculty. Dr. Dell was noted for his attention to detail in the preparation of all his sermons and classes. One of his prolific sermons centered around the third stanza of the Black National Anthem written by James Weldon Johnson which can now be found on several media outlets. He authored several published writings including Nine Meditations in "These Days, A Monthly Devotional Book". With a well-known love of books, theology, the Bible and preaching, Dr. Dell recently completed a book of some of his best sermons and was hoping to get it published this year.

Reverend Dell enjoyed traveling and learning about new cultures and people. His traveled to Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Liberia, India, Cameroon, Cuba, Sudan, Burundi, Ghana, Germany, Tanzania, Nigeria, Russia, Togo, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the People's Republic of China. He also took several trips to Haiti in support of his wife's missionary and humanitarian efforts there.

Reverend Dell served his community in many ways. He was the Chaplain for the Richmond Fire Department during the tenure of Chief Ronald Lewis. His commitment to justice, fairness and the needs of our community was acknowledged when he was honored by Living the Dream, Inc. with "A Tribute to Reverend Nathan Dell", on February 3, 2024. On March 5, 2024, the Virginia General Assembly honored him with, House Resolution 306, for being an esteemed educator, and a dedicated religious leader who inspired many students at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University.  Additionally, Reverend Dell was an honoree as a member of the 2024 Inaugural "Circle of Proctor Fellows" during the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology Ellison Jones Convocation 2024.

Reverend Dell is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Willie Jones Dell, Retired Social Worker and Political Activist, his son Dr. Wayne Jones, two nephews Frank Williams and Guy Allen, and a host of other nephews and nieces. While Rev. Dell was loved and cherished by many dear friends, three individuals, Jackie Parker, Leslie Lewis and Sharon Judkins held a special place in his heart.

Reverend Dell dedicated his life to helping others, therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family request that you consider donating to the Nathan and Willie Dell Scholarship at Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University or to Savannah State University in honor of Reverend Dell.