Nathaniel C. Earle, 50, Rumford, R.I., president of the Jewelers Board of Trade, Warwick, R.I., died of cancer Thursday, April 4, at Miriam Hospital, Providence.

Earle headed the JBT for 13 years. He began his career teaching German and French at Moses Brown School, where he also coached varsity soccer and ice hockey. He eventually left teaching to join the former Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank, working in the precious metals department. In 1989, he was recruited to join JBT.

He was a member of Rolling Rock Club, Ligonier, Pa., the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York, and the Providence and Boston Jewelers Clubs. He was a member of Jewelry Credit Interchange Group, New York City, and the Board of Governors.

He was the husband of Anne G. (Gordon) Earle. Born in Providence, a son of the late C. Crompton and Anne (Price) Earle, he had lived in Rumford for 23 years. Mr. Earle was a former member of Agawam Hunt, The Providence Jounral reported.

Mr. Earle was a former treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of the Weekapaug Fire District, a director and treasurer of Nopes Island Conservation Association, Westerly, and a member of the Weekapaug Tennis Club, the Providencee newspaper reported.

He was a 1974 graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont, and a 1970 graduate of Moses Brown, Providence, and a past president of its Alumni Association.

Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Ashley A. Earle of Rumford; a son, Nathaniel Cabot Earle Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va.; and a brother, Roger Earle of Woonsocket, R.I.

A memorial service will be Friday, April 12 at 11 a.m. in St. Martin Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Ave., Providence, the newspaper reported.

JCK