Harding High School
Class Of 1959
OBITUARIES
CONDOLENCES FROM THE HARDING CLASS OF 1959 GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF OUR FORMER CLASSMATES
CHALMERS, Edwin F. EDWIN FREEMAN CHALMERS Mr. Edwin Freeman Chalmers, 73, of Dunwoody, GA, beloved husband, father, and "Papa" passed away peacefully on August 8th, 2013 at the home he shared with his devoted wife, Dianne Johnson Chalmers for many wonderful years. Ed was the son of the late Thomas Edwin Chalmers and Louise Freeman Chalmers. He will be missed greatly by many friends and his family, including his wife, Dianne; sister Diane Crayton of Winterville, NC; daughter Laura, son-in-law Cass, and grandchildren Ava and Eli Netherton; and daughter Beth and son-in-law Freelin Jones. Ed was born on January 3, 1940 in Charlotte, NC, where he grew up and graduated from Harding High School. He then attended The Citadel and graduated in 1963 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ed worked for Duke Power Company, then Energy Management Associates where he served as Director of Computer Services. He retired shortly after EMA was bought out by Electronic Data Systems. He spent his retirement years as an avid train enthusiast, and also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and reading. He was an active member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church and was a huge fan of UNC basketball, as well as all sports. He especially loved spending time with his family at holidays and annual beach vacations, and doting on his two grandchildren. A small graveside service and burial will be held on Sunday, August 11th at 3:00 pm at Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery in Walhalla, SC. A memorial and celebration of life service will then be held on Saturday, August 17th at 10:00 am at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice of Atlanta, The Humane Society.
Charles Robert Funderburk "Bob" Funderburk, 71, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 28, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda, along with his two daughters; Janet (Rich) Albers and Jill (Ronnie) Ashburner and grandson, Zachary Albers. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Clarence Funderburk and brother, John Richard. Bob graduated from Harding High School in Charlotte and attended Wingate University. He also completed college course with the University of Maryland while serving in the US Army in Asmara, Ethiopia. He began his career and retired from IBM after 30 years. He continued to work in a contract capacity. Bob was an active member of Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill for over 30 years. He served as a deacon and elder at various times, and was a leader of various committees. A memorial service will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church 11501 Bain School Rd Mint Hill, NC 28227. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 12:00pm in the rotunda at church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Birthday Endowment Fund at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church or to Presbyterian Hospice 324 N. McDowell St. Charlotte, NC 28204 www.presbyhpc@novanthealth.org. Please visit Bob's online memorial at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
Published in Charlotte Observer on November 30, 2012
2012
John Larry Kiser MATTHEWS - John Larry Kiser, 72, of Matthews passed away on September 19, 2012, after a long illness. Larry was born in Charlotte on December 8, 1939 to the late John F. and Johnsie A. Kiser. He was an active member of Harding High School class of 1959, still in touch with classmates, reminiscing about his days playing football. Larry loved to travel with his family and enjoyed world travel to places such as Russia, Spain, London, Alaska and Hawaii and quick trips to the beach or mountains. He was an avid fisherman, arrowhead hunter, rock and stamp collector, Civil War buff and also enjoyed vintage cars, 50's music and metal detecting. He thoroughly enjoyed his years in the convenience store and deli business, interacting with his many 7-11 and Harris Teeter customers over many years. Larry will be remembered for his never ending wit and ability to make people laugh in any situation; he was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gayle; daughters Allison Kiser and her husband Todd Busch and Melanie Kiser and fianc‚ Philip Herrin. He is also survived by special aunts, Edna Duckworth, Myrtle Chastain and Sarah Puckett; sisters-in-law, Joann Gainey, Gwen Gainey and Peggie McNeil; special brother, Donald Copeland and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all the aides and doctors that provided loving care for Larry over the last few years. The family will receive friends on Friday September 21 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte. Funeral Service will be held Saturday September 22 at 11:00 am at McEwen Pineville followed by a private burial in South Carolina. Memorials may be given in Larry's memory to the American Diabetes Association ,www.diabetes.org/donate. Online condolences may be left at www.McEwen Pineville Chapel.com
Published in Charlotte Observer on September 21, 2012
2012
Raymond D. Short | Visit Guest Book
Carolyn Harding Short husband Raymond has passed away
Mr. Raymond D. Short, 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on February 6, 2012. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was son of the late Doyle Edward Short and Lelia Agee Short.
Mr. Short was a member of The Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and was retired from the John Deere Company.
He was a beloved coach of the Westchester Optimist Club which included football, baseball and basketball. He was also a member of the 1953-54 football team of Harding High School who went undefeated for three consecutive seasons.
He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn Harding Short; sons, Raymond Barry Short (Nandy), and Daniel Edward Short (JoAnna); daughters, Kristine Moore (Gary), and Jill Foster (Mike) all of Charlotte; grandsons, Michael Raymond; Alejandro, Estevan, Conner, Christian and Colten; granddaughters, Sue Ellen, Sophie, Rachel, Luisa and Raygan; brother, Billy Short (Sarah) and sister-in-law, Nancy T. Short.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, February 10, 2012 at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church with Father Kevin Brown presiding. The family will receive friends in the parish hall following the service.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Michael Foster and Estevan Short for their exceptional care given to Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The American Cancer Society , 500 E. Morehead St, Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral and Cremation Service. On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.
Published in Charlotte Observer on February 8, 2012
2011
James A Martin Jr.
June 7, 1941 - June 15, 2011
Visitation/Services
Obituary
James Andrew Martin, Jr., 70, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in Presbyterian's Harris Hospice Unit. Born in Charlotte on June 7, 1941, he was the son of the late James Andrew Martin, Sr. and Sarah Hahn Martin. Mr. Martin was a retired Police Captain having served thirty years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was a graduate of Gardner-Webb University and the F.B.I. Academy. Mr. Martin was Master Mason and a member of West Gate Masonic Lodge #738. He was an Oasis Shriner and had served as Past Captain of the Director of Staff and was also a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters Court #109. Mr. Martin was also a member for FOP Lodge #9 and served as a State Trustee as well as a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Association.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00PM, Monday, June 20th at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Elissa Ashely officiating. Masonic burial rites will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens with The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department serving as honor guards. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Jones, Jimmy Jones, Mike Ward, Paul Earls, Ed McBride, Luther Whitson and Trey Martin. The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM in the fellowship hall of Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2422 Ashley Road. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Marsha Dulin Martin; a son, James A. Martin, III(Trey); a daughter, Paige Whitson and husband Luther; two grandchildren Sarah and Ava, all of Charlotte. In Lieu of flowers the family
requests that memorials be made to either The Shriners Hospitals for Children c/o Oasis Shriners 604 Doug Mays Pl. Charlotte NC 28262; Fraternal Order of Police Foundation- FOP Lodge #9 1201 Hawthorne Ln Charlotte NC 28205; or Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care P.O.Box 33549 Charlotte NC 28233
2011
2010
Eleanor (Phillips) Pettus
LAKE WYLIE -- Eleanor Pettus went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2010 at her home in Lake Wylie, SC. It was a late Wednesday morning, the air warm and the birds singing like Angels outside her bedroom window. Her passing will be remembered because of her love for her family, her friends, her co-workers, and acquaintances she met on her journey through life.
She was the youngest of five children born to the late Levice Thomas Phillips and Mary Montezz Stegall. Born May 23rd, 1941 and raised in Charlotte, NC, she was a graduate of Harding High School. She relocated to Lake Wylie, SC in 1973 with her husband and two children. Eleanor was a long-term member of River Hills Community Church. The Bible talks about a large shining star whose presence shone on the night Jesus was born. For many, Eleanor was akin to this star whose guiding light burned so bright for so many. Eleanor was a co-founder and working partner with her husband through many ventures not the least of which was United American Video Corp., also known as UAV Corp, one of the leading companies in its field nationwide. She was Executive Vice President until her retirement in 2004, responsible for finance, accounting and human resources for over 500 associates.
Her passion for people and charities and doing the right thing were always shining through. She was active in supporting many worthwhile causes among them Pilgrim's Inn, York Place, York Tech Board of Trustees, Winthrop University Fund Raising Committee, River Hills Community Church Finance Council. Eleanor loved gardening, travel, spending time with her children and grandchildren. She and her husband loved cooking and entertaining her family, relatives and friends at her home. She loved Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she spent part of every year at her summer home.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Jerrold 'Jerry' Hugh Pettus. Eleanor is survived by her son Jerrold 'JR' Hugh Pettus II and his wife Heidi O'Day Pettus of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and daughter Susanne Pettus Olson and her husband Kent Olson of Waxhaw, North Carolina. She is survived by her three grandchildren, Alexander Hugh Pettus of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and Tessa Elizabeth Olson and Emma Catherine Olson of Waxhaw, North Carolina. Eleanor is also survived by her sister, Francis P. Barnes of Dallas, North Carolina; her sister, Virginia P. Westbrook and husband Louis Westbrook of Charlotte, North Carolina; her brother, Ralph 'Buddy' Phillips and his wife Nancy Phillips of Lake Wylie, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Jim Pettus and his wife Vicki Pettus of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Pettus Dixon of Charlotte, North Carolina. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins survive Eleanor with special mention to Donna Adkins and Shirley Hoffer.
Eleanor is predeceased by her sister, Ann Phillips Aycock.
Eleanor will be dearly missed on this earth but Heaven will most certainly have a new star.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 15, 2010 between 6:00pm and 8:00pm at the River Hills Community Church at 104 Hamilton Ferry Rd., Lake Wylie, SC 29710 at the corner of Highway 49 and Hamilton Ferry's Rd. Funeral services are at River Hills Community Church on Sunday, May 16 at 1:30pm with Pastor Bruce Jones officiating. Her interment will follow at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Cemetery located on Pleasant Grove Road in Charlotte in the Oakdale neighborhood, at 3:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the non-profit Hospice and Community Care, 993 P.O. Box, Rock Hill, SC 29731.
The family would like to thank all the special caregivers who have spent so many hours taking care of Eleanor.
Condolence messages may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Mrs. Pettus.
Alfred C. Wingate
Mr. Wingate, age 70, of Taylors, SC, formerly of Charlotte, NC, passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 at his home after an illness. Mr. Wingate was born October 19, 1939 in Mecklenburg County. He was a 1958 graduate of Harding High School where he was an accomplished athlete in several sports. He retired from Fram-Autolite as a regional sales manager with over 37 years of service. He also utilized his knowledge and love of sports to coach in the Mint Hill Athletic Association where his influence impacted the lives of many young people, more than he ever knew. He attended the Hope Community Church with his daughter in Taylors, SC.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 at McEwen Funeral Service, Charlotte Chapel, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Sharon Memorial Park conducted by the Reverend David Morton.
Mr. Wingate was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Patsy Mullis Wingate, two sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Wingate of Taylors, SC, a son, Al Wingate of North Carolina, and a sister, Martha Clara Meadows of Charlotte.
Memorials may be made to Harmony Care Hospice, 700 Plaza Circle, Suite N, Clinton, SC 29325.
Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Charlotte Chapel.
Condolences to Edgar Curtis and family in the loss of his sister Nina
Nina Curtis Foil
1939 - 2010
Mrs. Foil, wife, mother, grandmother, passed away Friday March 12, 2010. Nina was a native of Charlotte North Carolina born October 22nd 1939 to Louise and Edgar 'Red' Curtis. She graduated from Harding High School and attended Pfeiffer College, both in North Carolina. She married Edmond Barringer Foil on September 28, 1959 and they built their home in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they lived for over 45 years before retiring to Palmetto Florida in 2004.
Nina is survived by her husband Eddie, her brother, Edgar Curtis of Lawrenceville, GA; children, David Foil of Charlotte, NC, Kathy Foil Morris of Crestview, FL, and Darrin Foil of Palmetto, FL; granddaughters, Rebecca and Emily Morris, Alexandria Foil and Savannah Foil.
Nina enjoyed gardening, playing Canasta with her girlfriends, drawing, painting, and spending time at the beach. Her many other loves included decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, cooking for family and friends, her dog Cinnamon and watching her beloved Duke Blue Devil basketball. Nina absolutely loved being 'Nana', to her granddaughters and taking long boat rides on the canals of Terra Ceia Bay. Her kindness and sweet caring spirit touched many people and will truly be missed. A memorial in her honor will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at First United Methodist Church of Palmetto.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, c/o The Glory Group, 330 11th Avenue West, Palmetto, Florida 34221.
Kristopher Harris Lawing
Mr. Lawing, 38, of Matthews, passed away on Wednesday night, May 26, 2010, after a 2-year battle with cancer. He fought with the Lord by his side and is now in his eternal home, completely healed.
He was a Godly, loving husband, father, son and brother, whose faith and trust in Jesus Christ has impacted many lives.
Kris was preceded in death by his mother, Faye Lawing.
He is survived by his wife, Renee Lawing; son, Grant; father, Mike Lawing; siblings, Kevin Lawing and wife, Donna, Kerrie Lawing, Katie McNabb and husband, Zach; and nieces, Courtney and Jessica Powell.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010 at First Baptist Church Indian Trail. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Kris Lawing Medical Fund, 12337 Grier Place, Matthews, NC 28105.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.goodshepherdfuneralhome.net.
Good Shepherd Funeral Home, Indian Trail, is serving the family of Mr. Lawing.
David Andrew Harris, Jr.
'Dave'
Dave Harris of Charlotte died Tuesday, July 13, 2010. He fought his battle with cancer and its complications with the same optimism, courage and determination to win that he used in all areas of his life.
A service to celebrate the life of Dave Harris will be held at the First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 South Davidson Street, on Friday, July 16 at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Mark Harris and Reverend Michael Cummings officiating. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. The burial will be private. Dave was born in Trap Hill, N. C. on July 19, 1924. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, coach, administrator, friend, athlete and mentor. His family was his greatest joy. He took tremendous pride in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed keeping up with his former athletes and students. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Arden Harris; his daughter, Arden Browder and husband Ty; his son, Andy Harris and wife Sherry; his grandchildren: Liz Carroll and husband Robby, Leigh Arden Beck and husband Joey, Charlotte Harris, and Christine Harris; his great grandchildren: Burton Carroll and Harris Carroll; his step grandchildren: Chad Browder, Klista Browder and Valerie Wooten; and his step great grandchildren: Zach Wooten, Hunter Wooten and Trey Wooten. In addition to his parents, David and Sallie Harris, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah Bass and Kathleen Harris. For more than 60 years, he was an active member of First Baptist Church Charlotte where he had been an ordained deacon and served on numerous committees. He was a member of the Smith Alexander Men's Sunday School Class where special life-long friendships were formed.He grew up in Statesville and graduated from Statesville High School where he was an all-state and all-conference football player. He attended Wake Forest on a football scholarship and played football under Peahead Walker and basketball under Murray Greason. He played for Wake Forest in the first Gator Bowl. He was named to the All-Southern Conference team, to the first team AP All-America Blocking Team and was an honorable mention AP All-American. Dave graduated from Wake Forest and earned a BS degree. He later received a master's degree from Appalachian State University. He was the third draft choice for the Detroit Lions in 1946 and was a starter for the Charlotte Clippers Professional Football Team for two years. Dave's career of 45 years in education began as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Thomasboro High School and continued at Harding High School for the next 20 years. His Harding coaching years included 35 consecutive football wins and back to back football state championships. Harris coached eight high school All-Americans and 73 of his players received full college football scholarships. For the next 24 years, he worked in athletic administration as the Charlotte- Mecklenburg School System Director of Athletics. During that time, many components of the school system athletic program were nationally recognized. He was instrumental in adding girls sports in the schools, in beginning a sports medicine program in the school system and in expanding athletic facilities. His volunteer service to local, state and national organizations included membership on the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs Council, the Governor's Board of Athletes Against Crime, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors and the National Federation of High School Directors of Athletics Advisory Board. He was a past president of the Optimist Club, the Lions Club, the NC Coaches Association and the NC Athletic Directors Association. He served for 40 years in different capacities for the Shrine Bowl. He was honored by being named the Honorary Chairman of the 50th High School Shrine Bowl All-Star Game. He was a long time member of the North Carolina Association of Educators. He received the American National Red Cross Certificate of Merit in recognition of saving a child's life. In recognition of his community service, Dave received the Optimist Golden Circle Award, the Charlotte Rotary Club Public Service Award and the Charlotte Athletic Club Humanitarian Award. Among his sports honors were head coach in the East-West All-Star Football Game and North Carolina head coach and Athletic Director of the Shrine Bowl. He was twice named North Carolina High School Football Coach of the Year and was also named National High School Athletic Director of the Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sportsman of the Year and North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association named him North Carolina Athletic Director of the Century. He was recognized by NCHSAA as one of the 50 most influential people in making a difference in high school sports in North Carolina during the 20th century and as the People's Choice Award for Athletic Director. He was selected Wake Forest Deacon Club Member of the Year in 1997 and served as Chairman of the Wake Forest Touchdown 2000 campaign that resulted in the construction of Bridger Field House.Dave was inducted into four halls of fame: North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, NC High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and NC Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.After his retirement, Dave enjoyed traveling with Mary Arden, going to the beach and staying at their mountain home in High Meadows. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities. He looked forward to seeing and hearing from his former players and to eating lunch with his friends in the Five Plus One Lunch Group. He continued his volunteer work with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Retired School Personnel.Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Smith Alexander Men's Sunday School Class and members of the Five Plus One Lunch Group. It is the wish of the family that former players, cheerleaders, team managers and assistant coaches of Coach Harris sit in a reserved section at the celebration of life service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church Charlotte, Phil Hughston Scholarship Fund, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28231; to North Carolina High School Athletic Association Endowment Foundation, PO Box 3216, Chapel Hill, NC 27515; to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, South Carolina 29605; or to David A. Harris, Jr. Athletic Endowment Fund, Wake Forest University Athletic Department, 499 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The family extends grateful appreciation to Dr. Murray Craven, Dr. Vetta Higgs, Dr. Cheryl Russo and Dr. Carl Smart for the special medical care given to Dave during his illness.
Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.