Carter Funeral Home respectfully announces the transition of Mr. Nathaniel "Buddy" Rivers, 74, a native of Union Springs, Alabama. Mr. Rivers, born June 4, 1942, transitioned into eternity, Friday, August 19, 2016 at Saint Mary’s of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, August 26, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home, 302 Carter Street, Union Springs, AL 36089.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 12:00 noon from the sanctuary of the Haynes Chapel Baptist Church, Cornerstone Community, Rev. Eddie C. Jasper, Pastor. Words of comfort will be delivered by Rev. Dr. James E. Gochett. Interment will follow in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, Simsville Community.

Mr. Rivers will lie in repose one hour prior to services at Haynes Chapel Baptist Church.

Nathaniel accepted Christ at an early age at Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Union Springs, Alabama. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan he attended Renaissance Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Calhoun and currently, Pastor Cedric Cheatham. In August 1965, he joined the late Ida Marlow in holy matrimony. Nathaniel was employed at General Motors (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry) for 25 years. He was a member of UAW Local 668. After retirement he enjoyed cooking and traveling to visit family and friends. Nathaniel’s family and friends will miss his infectious smile.

He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters, Bertha (Henry) Baker of Union Springs, Alabama, Annie Rivers (Duane VanLanham) and Melissa Baker of Saginaw, Michigan; five sons, Alvin, Otis, Nathan, Nelson and Nathaniel Rivers, Jr., all of Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Desmond, Alexander, Nee’Shon, Shanna, Dexter, Henry, Tae’Jon, Noslen, Niyell, Destiny, Nathan, Jr., Santino, Jessica, Brandon, Dominic, Camareya, and Jay’den; great-grandchildren, Deshawn, Desmeanna, La’trerrel, LeAsia, Jeremiah, Jayvon, Zoey, and James; two sisters, Algertha Pritchett of Saginaw, Michigan and Dorothy Banks of Tuskegee, Alabama; three brothers, Robert Rivers, Fred (Lula) Rivers of Union Springs, Alabama and Reverend Dr. James (Annie) Gochett of Montgomery, Alabama; sister-in-law, Minnie Marlow; brothers-in-law, Solomon (Lillie) Marlow of Union Springs, Alabama, Willie (Diane) Marlow of Montgomery, Alabama; special friends, Richard Johnson, Jake Cunningham, Don Cope, and Robert Harris.

Nathaniel was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Marlow Rivers, parents, Fred Rivers and Izora Downing Rivers; other family members, Minnie B. Rivers, Freddie Mae (Theodis) Penn, Minnie Ivey, James Rivers, Charles Rivers, Hendria Mae Baker, Ruther Johnson, Felix (Willie Bell) Marlow and Eddie Marlow.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rivers family and join them in an expression of appreciation to their many neighbors and friends for their generous support afforded during the transition of their beloved.