Ray Harrington

Obituary: Ray William Harrington, Jr., age 63, died unexpectedly Monday, March 19, 2012 at his home. He was a loving father, passionate teacher and coach, and a devoted friend. He was born June 23, 1948 in Guilford County, NC, the son of the late Ray William Harrington, Sr. and Ora Lee Walker Harrington. He graduated in 1966 from A.L. Brown High School, Guilford College in 1977, and received his master's degree from North Carolina State University in 1984. Mr. Harrington, known among many who loved him as "Coach Ray" built an impressive career over four decades in criminal justice and education. He served honorably for our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1967- 1971, the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1978-1980, and as an officer in the Greensboro Police Department from 1972-1981. He also was an assistant softball coach at Pfeiffer University and, before that, Methodist University. A 2005 recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina for extraordinary service to the state, Mr. Harrington demonstrated notable commitment to the community. He also is a 2011 recipient of the Starnes Award from Pfeiffer University, presented to Pfeiffer faculty and staff for significant contributions in academics, service, humanitarian, or athletic endeavors. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust Street, Kannapolis, NC. Burial will be at a later date at the National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, March 23, 2012 at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC. Survivors include his son, Alexander William Harrington & wife, Karyn of Atlanta, GA; his sister, Derenda H. Abbott & husband, Samuel of Mooresville, NC; and his nephews, Chris and Nathan Abbott. Memorials may be made to Pfeiffer University Advancement Office, c/o Ray Harrington Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 960, Misenheimer, NC 28109.
Visitation: 4:00 - 800 p.m.Friday, March 23rd at Whitley's

Service: 2:00 p.m.,Saturday March 24,2012 N. Kannapolis Baptist Church.

Interment: National Cemetery