Charles Palmer Harrill, 97, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 at his home.
Mr. Harrill was born June 9, 1927 in Hamlet, North Carolina, a son of the late Carl and Ethel Boyd Harrill.
While attending Hamlet High School, he played and excelled in football, basketball and baseball as a Red Ram. Before finishing high school, Charles joined the Navy, serving during World War II. Lenior Rhyne College followed where he played football and baseball on a full scholarship. Upon graduation from LRC, he served as head coach and athletic director at Mount Pleasant High in Cabarrus County. During his tenure there, championships were won in football, basketball and baseball, and he was named Coach of the Year in 1955 and 1956. As he has been able, he attended class reunions with former students there as recently as 2023.
A Master’s Degree from Appalachian State was obtained in 1956. In 1960, he served as assistant principal and head coach at Spaugh Junior High in Charlotte. His football teams were undefeated. Coming to Rockingham, he was named principal of L.J. Bell Elementary, one of the first North Carolina schools to be accredited by Southern Association. Service to Richmond Co. Schools continued as assistant superintendent in 1972, superintendent of Schools in 1979, as well as on the school board after retirement. Also, he later served as a school administrator in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina.
Being a true servant, he was a member of the Richmond County Board of Education, N.C. School Board Association, Presidential Board of Directors for Campbell University, Civitan Club, Hamlet American Legion and Rockingham VFW. Golf was always a favorite pastime. Upon arriving in Rockingham, the Harrill family joined the First Baptist Church where he served as deacon, director of Sunday school, class teacher, and the family has remained continuous members since arriving in town.
In 1950, he married the love of his life, Barbara “Bobbie” Greer Harrill and together they raised three wonderful daughters, Kathy (Glenn), Teresa (Bryant) and Susan. They were married for 73 years before Bobbie’s death in 2023. Susan and a grandson, Drew, also preceded him in death. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His family was the delight of his life.
A service to celebrate his life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Rockingham with the Rev. Jack Lee officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC 29379; or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Special thanks, appreciation and admiration for Debra Sturdivant, Cheryl Fanning and Lisa Burr who made it possible for mom and dad to have remained in their home.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is assisting the Harrill family.
