Those who knew Harry say he was a man cut from hard to find cloth. A humble member of the Greatest Generation, he was recognized around the Wilmington area for his hard work, dependability, likability, good-guy manner and gracious smile. He grew up on a farm in Hampstead, helping out while making his way through school. After high school he went on to fight in World War II. Upon his return from the war he delivered meat for Armour & Co., and then spent a lengthy career as a professional plumber for C.E. Branch Plumbing Co. He made time on the side to be an active Mason, volunteer fireman, member of the Civil Air Patrol and part-time farmer growing corn, tomatoes and the best collard greens in town. One could often find him rebuilding motors, welding and gardening. He seemed to know a little about anything. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during WWII and was a recipient of five Bronze Service Stars for time spent in Normandy, Rhineland, the Ardennes and in Central Europe as a member of the Army's 60th Engineer Battalion, he spoke very little to nonveteran friends or even his family about his time in World War II. But one particular experience stuck with him and was present every day. One night in France, soaking wet, he got cold. And from that moment he vowed never to be cold again. For the rest of his life he wore long sleeves, pants and a ball cap year-round. And his house was always warmed to between 85 and 90 degrees, summer or winter. He did what he said he would do and he did whatever it was with care and patience. He died of colon cancer at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center at age 89.
Those who knew Harry say he was a man cut from hard to find cloth. A humble member of the Greatest Generation, he was recognized around the Wilmington area for his hard work, dependability, likability, good-guy manner and gracious smile. He grew up on a farm in Hampstead, helping out while making his way through school. After high school he went on to fight in World War II. Upon his return from the war he delivered meat for Armour & Co., and then spent a lengthy career as a professional plumber for C.E. Branch Plumbing Co. He made time on the side to be an active Mason, volunteer fireman, member of the Civil Air Patrol and part-time farmer growing corn, tomatoes and the best collard greens in town. One could often find him rebuilding motors, welding and gardening. He seemed to know a little about anything. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during WWII and was a recipient of five Bronze Service Stars for time spent in Normandy, Rhineland, the Ardennes and in Central Europe as a member of the Army's 60th Engineer Battalion, he spoke very little to nonveteran friends or even his family about his time in World War II. But one particular experience stuck with him and was present every day. One night in France, soaking wet, he got cold. And from that moment he vowed never to be cold again. For the rest of his life he wore long sleeves, pants and a ball cap year-round. And his house was always warmed to between 85 and 90 degrees, summer or winter. He did what he said he would do and he did whatever it was with care and patience. He died of colon cancer at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center at age 89.
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