Harry Lee Pence Sr., 76, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023 in Charlotte, NC.
Harry was born in Hamlet on Nov. 16, 1946 and resided primarily in Rockingham.
He is survived by his daughter, Reagan Neal Pence of Charlotte, and sons Harry Lee Pence Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia (wife, Victoria Grace Pence) and Ryan Andrew Pence of Birmingham, Alabama, who along with many loving family members and friends will all miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mulvenia Bradshaw Pence, his father, Dewey McPhail Pence, and his brother, Carl Ronald Pence. He loved spending time with his grandchildren: Laine Estelle Oglesbee, Lawson Doughty Oglesbee, Wyatt Lee Pence, and Abigail Grace Pence.
Harry was truly one of a kind as described by any who met him. He was raised in the mill village of Rockingham. He graduated from Richmond Senior High School and attended UNC Pembroke. Harry served in the Army National Guard from 1967-1972. Harry had a gift of always having a “friend” no matter where he went.
He traveled for years in the clothing business and knew a good portion of North Carolina and a majority of the southeast. Every nook and cranny of North Carolina, Harry knew someone or some landmark along with their exit number. He also knew the best place to eat in just about every town.
He was always waiting and ready with a line that could bring a room to tears in laughter. His antics and jokes will be remembered by all that crossed paths with him. His ability to meet and form friendships with others was the stuff of legends. This helped everyone understand that he wasn’t kidding about all those folks that he knew across the southeast. Harry especially loved his years in Little Switzerland and people will continue to remember him being like the mayor of that community.
He was deeply loyal about causes he was passionate about and comfortable should anyone challenge him on it. He held to his convictions and refused the easy path, the best example of this was a polarizing presidential candidate where he was equipped with hats, yard signs, and stickers to voice his support. He was also actively involved in the Masonic Lodge where he served for many years. In recent years, his favorite hobby was engaging in conversation with the customers and staff at Costco. This was yet another example of what so many were quick to say about him — the man truly never met a stranger.
A funeral service in Harry’s honor will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church located at 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 on Aug. 12, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the Francis Chapel. A reception will be held immediately following service in Jubilee Hall. A graveside ceremony will be held in Rockingham on Aug. 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Richmond County Memorial Park, 1717 E. Broad Ave., Rockingham. We also look forward to celebrating Harry with his Little Switzerland community, details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. This was a cause near and dear to him and more information can be found at www.shrinerschildrens.org.
