Harry Myers

Charles Harry Myers. (July 9, 1925-January 9, 2017) Charles Harry Myers died peacefully January 9, 2017 at the age of 91, surrounded by family. Harry was one of seven children born to Henry and Dora Myers and was the last surviving sibling. Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jean Helms Myers. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm St., Wingate, NC 28174. Entombment will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. Harry loved cows. Like his father, Harry spent most of his adult life as a dairy farmer. Harry was committed to continuously improving his herd through selective breeding. He was skilled in the practice of artificial insemination and made sure that sons were also trained in that discipline. After he sold the dairy cows in the 1980's, Harry began buying beef cows, eventually establishing a fine herd of registered Simmental cattle. Rarely a day passed without Harry spending some time with his cows. He quickly recognized when something was amiss with one of the animals and did a great deal of his own veterinary work. In 2009 Harry was inducted into Department of Agriculture Hall of Fame. Harry loved to tinker. Lack of formal training did not hold him back from becoming skilled in many trades. Whether it was welding, rebuilding tractor engines, or repairing refrigeration equipment, Harry figured out how to do it. If something had an engine, Harry knew how to operate it. Whether it was heavy equipment, farm implements, or trucks, Harry had a knack for getting the most from a machine. He was even a private pilot, learning to fly on the GI bill after WWII. Harry loved his community. He fought for his country, serving in the army during WWII. He was proud of the service and sacrifices made by our soldiers, and over the past several years regaled his family with stories from his time in the European theatre. After the war, Harry became a well-known and respected leader in Union County. He served on the Union County Board of Commissioners for twelve years in the 1970's-1980's. He served as Chairman of the board for much of that time. During his time in politics, Democrats held all the power. Consequently, the Democratic Party had as many conservatives as it did liberals. Harry was a conservative. He may have been the last Democrat to run on the campaign slogan Tight with your tax money. Harry also served for many years on the Board of the Union Memorial Hospital. He was also active in Rotary. In 1983, Harry was recognized for his service to the community by being named Union County Man of the Year. Harry loved his friends. He rarely missed an opportunity to be with them. He was typically among the first to arrive and last to leave any event. Up until just recently, Harry was meeting friends for breakfast at Hilltop or Judds or for coffee at the McDonalds in Wingate. His greatest lament the past few years was that many of his friends had already died. Surely he is delighted to be with them again. Harry loved God. He and Jean were lifelong members of Wingate Baptist Church. Unless there was an urgent need at the farm, Harry had his family in Sunday school and church every Sunday. He taught his Sunday school class for decades. He knew the Bible well and would spend hours preparing for every class. He loved church music, too. You could sometimes hear him singing hymns at the top of his lungs as he drove Old Yeller, his favorite tractor, across the pasture to deliver hay to his hungry cows. Most of all, Harry loved his family. He was devoted to his wife. During the years of Jean's declining health, Harry was constantly by her side, spending countless days and nights with her at hospitals and nursing homes. He was likewise devoted to his children. Harry is survived by his sons Henry, Jerry, and Ben along with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Harry nurtured and guided his offspring using his incredible common sense. When a child would complain about a difficult task, Harry would point out that if it were easy, any fool could do it. Upon hearing a complaint about the unreliability of a farm employee, he would observe that not many bank presidents were applying for jobs milking cows. Harry understood how the world works. He did his best to pass that wisdom on to his children. Harry was loved. His kindness and thoughtfulness endeared him to those who knew him. Harry Myers was one of those bigger than life characters whose presence was always known and will likewise be sorely missed. May he rest In peace. Gordon Funeral Service Crematory is caring for the Myers Family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com