Obituaries
Woodrow Darrell Harkey
( April 9, 1942 - September 13, 2022 )
Woodrow Darrell Harkey, born April 9th 1942, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sept 13th, 2022.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at Warlick Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Virgie Harkey, and brother Gary David Harkey.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Judy Harkey and children: Doug Harkey (Michele) of Vale, Karen Queen (Larry) of Lincolnton, Julie Dunbar (Todd) of Vale, Janet Benton (Gray) of Lincolnton, and David “Charlie” Harkey of Vale and his 10 grandchildren Amber, Rachel, Kevin, Jamie, Chris, Jessica, Megan, Kate, Hailey, and Aleks and his 4 great-grandchildren Olivia, Logan, Kennedy, and Khloe. He also leaves behind one brother Scott (Renee) Harkey of Lincolnton.
Darrell led a rich life as he served in the United States Air Force, was among of the first EMTs in Lincoln County, served as a deputy sheriff, and worked for many years in textiles. He completed an associate degree in history to pursue his life’s passion in preserving Lincoln County history. He was the county’s first and only County Historical Coordinator, a job that he would have gladly done for free. As Historical Coordinator, he devoted many hours to clubs and organizations that care about the history and preservation of our local historical monuments and landmarks. He particularly enjoyed investing time and hard work into the Battle of Ramsour's Mill reenactment. During this time, he also published several articles in the Charlotte Observer detailing life during the 1950s, which were later compiled into a book titled “Memories of a Mill Village and other Short Stories.” After retiring as Historical Coordinator, he went on to teach history at Gaston College and Living Word Academy. He enjoyed being approached by former students and hearing how he inspired their love of history. He continued to give tours, lectures, and enjoyed sharing his love of history with others.
In 1974, he received his biggest honor, The “Goodest Dad” Award, from his 5 adoring children.
We love you Dad, Doug, Sissy, Julie, Janet, and Charlie.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at Warlick Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Virgie Harkey, and brother Gary David Harkey.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Judy Harkey and children: Doug Harkey (Michele) of Vale, Karen Queen (Larry) of Lincolnton, Julie Dunbar (Todd) of Vale, Janet Benton (Gray) of Lincolnton, and David “Charlie” Harkey of Vale and his 10 grandchildren Amber, Rachel, Kevin, Jamie, Chris, Jessica, Megan, Kate, Hailey, and Aleks and his 4 great-grandchildren Olivia, Logan, Kennedy, and Khloe. He also leaves behind one brother Scott (Renee) Harkey of Lincolnton.
Darrell led a rich life as he served in the United States Air Force, was among of the first EMTs in Lincoln County, served as a deputy sheriff, and worked for many years in textiles. He completed an associate degree in history to pursue his life’s passion in preserving Lincoln County history. He was the county’s first and only County Historical Coordinator, a job that he would have gladly done for free. As Historical Coordinator, he devoted many hours to clubs and organizations that care about the history and preservation of our local historical monuments and landmarks. He particularly enjoyed investing time and hard work into the Battle of Ramsour's Mill reenactment. During this time, he also published several articles in the Charlotte Observer detailing life during the 1950s, which were later compiled into a book titled “Memories of a Mill Village and other Short Stories.” After retiring as Historical Coordinator, he went on to teach history at Gaston College and Living Word Academy. He enjoyed being approached by former students and hearing how he inspired their love of history. He continued to give tours, lectures, and enjoyed sharing his love of history with others.
In 1974, he received his biggest honor, The “Goodest Dad” Award, from his 5 adoring children.
We love you Dad, Doug, Sissy, Julie, Janet, and Charlie.
Posted on 14 Sep 2022
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125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521