Nathaniel Caldwell

Mr. Caldwell was born in Macon County, Marshallville, Georgia on November 24, 1945, to the parentage of the late Joseph Caldwell and Margaret Oglesby Caldwell. He joined the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon and served faithfully as Chairman of the Deacon Board Ministry for several years. Later after marriage, he began attending Clements Chapel Methodist Church but never broke ties with his home church.

Nate attended Macon County Public Schools and graduated from Lamson Richardson High School after which he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Vietnam War from 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968.

His Army Decorations include:

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star

Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device

Letter of Appreciation

Letter of Commendation, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle)

For 38 years, Nathaniel was employed by Blue Bird Wanderlodge which built the well-known Motorhome. He called them “Wonderful Lodge”.  Nate worked in both the Fabrication Department and in Administration as a Supervisor. But as he put it, his love was working with his co-workers in the painting department.  When time allowed, while watching various workers do their jobs, he learned how to weld as well as many other useful skills. He gained much experience with Wanderlodge which led his heart beyond just building motorcoaches.

Nate was united in Holy Matrimony on October 25, 1997, to Mamie Sadler Jackson whom he always called “Baby” and she called him “Baby” also. This union blended the couple and five sons.  Shortly after their marriage, Nate discussed with his wife, Mamie, his dream about starting his own bus company. They agreed on it, prayed on it, God ordained it and on June 26, 2003, Caldwell Bus Line, LLC was created. God blessed them to meet and touch many lives throughout this venture as well as them being blessed and touched by many.

Mr. Caldwell is survived by a devoted wife, Mamie Jackson Caldwell, five sons: Kyle Evans – Tampa, FL, Harold Jackson, Jr. (Niki) – Panama City, FL, Shannon McKenzie (Katira) – Des Moines, WA, Charlie Thomas Jackson – Atlanta, Daniel Clements Jackson – US Navy – Mayport, FL; five grandchildren: Jeury Acosta Nuñez, Zachary Evan Jackson, Kennedy Elise Jackson, Kyndell Evans and Ava Skye McKenzie; one sister, Estella Caldwell (Honeymeat), three brothers: Counsel, Jimmie and Willie Caldwell. One sister-in-law, Frances Caldwell and a host of nephews and nieces; Loyal Vietnam Buddies, William Dwight, James McLeod, and Lester Daniels, VERY CLOSE FRIENDS – National Association of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO), Community and Bus Businesses and more.