Charles Palmer Harrill

Charles Palmer Harrill, 97 of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Monday August 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, & baseball as a Red Ram. Before finishing high school, Charles joined the Navy serving during WWII. Lenior Rhyne College followed where he played football & baseball on a full scholarship. Upon graduation from LRC, he served as head coach & athletic director at Mt. Pleasant High in Cabarrus Co, NC. During his tenure there, championships were won in football, basketball, & baseball & he was named Coach of the Year in 1955 & 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 & head coach at Spaugh Jr. High in Charlotte. His football teams were undefeated. Coming to Rockingham, NC, he was named principal of LJ Bell Elementary, one of the first NC 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, SC. 

Being a true servant, he was a member of the Richmond Co. Board of Education, NC School Board Assoc., Presidential Board of Directors for Campbell University, Civitan Club, Hamlet American Legion, & Rockingham VFW. Golf was always a favorite past time. Upon arriving in Rockingham, the Harrill family joined the First Baptist Church where he served as deacon, director of Sunday School, class teacher, & have remained continuous members since arriving in town. 

In 1950 he married the love of his life, Barbara “Bobbie” Greer Harrill and together they raised 3 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 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His family were the delight of his life. 

A service to celebrate his life will be at 11:00 am Thursday, August 29, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Rockingham with 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 US Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.

Special thanks, appreciation, & admiration for Debra Sturdivant, Cheryl Fanning, and Lisa Burr who made it possible for mom & dad to have remained in their home.