Obituary
Our precious husband and daddy, Farrell Nathey, was called home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022.
Willis Farrell Nathey was born Jan. 8, 1935, in Niceville, FL, to Willis Johnathan Nathey and Daisy Jeanette Davis Nathey. Farrell lived his entire childhood in Niceville, graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, and then joined the Army. He was a Specialist 4 and served in Germany. He was very proud to be a part of the military and serve our country. Dad met the love of his life and best friend, Patsy Drawdy. They married and started their lives together in New Smyrna Beach (NSB), where he lived until his death. Mom and dad just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Nov. 18. After the military and moving to NSB, he worked at the Daytona Beach News Journal as a pressman for 40 years.
Farrell had five daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Dad loved the Lord, his wife and family, the church, hunting, fishing, gardening, and football. He was a member of the NRA and Port Orange Church of the Nazarene.
Dad’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m., at the Port Orange Church of the Nazarene, 840 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL.
Farrell was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Daisy Nathey; parents-in-law, Nolan and Winnie Drawdy; brother, Edward Nathey; and grandson, Wade Althafer.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Drawdy Nathey; daughters and sons-in-law DeAnna and Jeff Cory, Paige and Jay Sempsrott, Carmen and Brett Althafer, Patty and Mark Pennington, and Kristen and Jeremy Brock; his sister Diane Luke; his grandchildren Dustin, Cassondra, Broc, Jarrett, Bryant, Courtney, Dylan, Evan, Sophia, and Olivia; and his great-grandchildren Amari, Camden, Emma, Xander, Hudson, Nolynn, Kinsley, Willow, Palmer, Waylon, and Londyn.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project, Port Orange Church of the Nazarene, or a charity of your choice.
You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be as we move through the holiday season. We were so blessed to know Farrell and all of your family through the years. While nothing can stop your missing him, every day that passes is one day closer to seeing him again in heaven . We love you all.
Cheryl and Sue Walsh
May God’s love and comfort embrace you and your family at this difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing he is in the presence of our Lord, and one day, we will see him again.
Love and prayers,
Sam and Rosie
Farrell was an great gentleman who was proud of his family. He was also a great fishing partner even though he caught the bigger ones. He did so many things for our family over the years.
We are so proud to be part of his family…..