ASHEBORO — Hugh Edwin Harrington “Eddie”, 86, of Asheboro passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, surrounded by his family, at Cross Road Memory Care, Asheboro, North Carolina.
Eddie was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on Aug. 13,1937, to Hugh and Zelma Bost Harrington.
Eddie was a graduate of Landis High School (later South Rowan High School) in 1956. He graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College (now known as Appalachian State University) with a BS and MA in Instrumental Music. He married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Poole, in 1959.
Mr. Harrington was a band director in Danville, VA, for two years before coming to Asheboro in 1962 where he was the band director for North Asheboro and South Asheboro Middle School for 35 years. During his career he served for two years as State Chairman of the American School Band Directors Association.
Eddie was inducted into the North Carolina Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
For over 20 years, he served as choir director at the United Church of Christ, Asheboro, NC. As a member of Central United Methodist Church, he sang in the choir for 35 years and was a member of the Agape’ Builders Sunday School Class.
Eddie loved God, his family and music. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher and friend. He also enjoyed playing tennis, photography, hunting and fishing. Eddie loved the beach, mountains and anywhere he could spend time with his family.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years; daughters, Kathy Harrington Foreman (Terry) of Davidson, NC, Debbie Harrington Aldridge (Don) of Raleigh, NC; brothers, Dennis Harrington (Brenda) of Raleigh, NC, Norman Harrington (Peggy) of Kannapolis, NC; and grandchildren Ryan Foreman, Emma Foreman, Adam Aldridge and Taylor Aldridge. Eddie also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends and students whom he loved dearly.
The family wishes to thank Eddie’s caregivers Becky Loflin, Don Bulla, PA, and all the staff at Cross Road Memory Care and Amedisys Hospice Care for their compassionate and excellent care of Eddie. Our gratitude to all of you is beyond words.
The celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Central United Methodist Church. The family will receive family and friends following the service from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Central United Methodist Church, 300 S. Main St., Asheboro, NC 27203.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, Hugh Edwin Harrington Scholarship, Asheboro High School, c/o Phil Homiller, 1221 South Park St., Asheboro, NC 27203.
Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.