Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 15, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Harry Flynn Wolfe, Jr. passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021 in Charlotte, NC after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Despite being ill for many years he unfailingly charmed his friends and neighbors who knew him as a caring, compassionate man with wisdom and boundless grace.

Harry was a lifelong resident of Charlotte.  He earned a business degree from Davidson College and then attended the University of Tennessee to complete his master’s degree in business.  There he met the love of his life, Jo Ann Rhegness.  When he first saw her from across the street, he knew that she was going to be his wife.  After they were married, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Williamsburg, VA on a two-year assignment as an instructor.

After his army commitment he returned to Charlotte where he was a staple in the finance industry, first working at North Carolina National Bank, the predecessor to Bank of America, and then completing his career at Sterling Capital Management.  He was an expert in investment strategies, a mentor to countless coworkers, and a master in his field.

Harry’s most significant contributions were as a husband to Jo Ann and as a father to Flynn, Ed, Margaret, and James.  He was a loving husband who supported Jo Ann’s creative energy to include helping her to complete college and graduate school, and then supporting her multiple business endeavors.  As a Dad he could always be counted on and had never ending forgiveness frequently tested by each of his kids, once even waving at them when they were seen skipping school as he drove out for a weekend getaway.  Harry provided love, understanding, support, and wise counsel and for that they will be forever grateful.  He instilled in them a love for the beach and the ocean where the family gathered every year without fail, he treated their friends as his own and nurtured countless pets.  He was there whenever and wherever he was needed.

Harry was a lifelong and dedicated member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and served the church in many ways.  His children grew up at Covenant and participated in the many events and activities offered there. Many good friends were made at Covenant to Harry as well as to JoAnn and his children. It was a fine place to worship and serve, and cultivate the many good friendships.

Harry loved to travel.  All parts of America were fair game, but he also enjoyed travel overseas. He went to Europe frequently and developed lifelong friends in the UK.  Harry took the entire family on an epic trip to Jamaica, introducing the locals to red hair on James, eating fresh coconut plucked from a tree as they watched, fresh fish pulled from the ocean that very day, and sleeping under mosquito nets.  The whole family experienced life in a tropical paradise.  His favorite destination was Debordieu, his home away from home.  Harry and JoAnn built a second home there which was a place of gathering for family and friends.  He enjoyed swimming in the ocean, eating fresh shrimp from Independent Seafood, walking on the beach, and especially spending time with those he loved most.

Harry was a sportsman who played high school football, later enjoyed tennis, and had a lifelong passion for golf.  He loved cool cars, great food, and enjoyed ice cream, especially ice cream, up until his final day on earth.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Ruth Wolfe and Harry F. Wolfe, Sr., his sister, Betty Boyd, and grandson Harry F. Wolfe, IV (Buddy).  He is survived by his children, Harry F. Wolfe III, (Flynn) and his wife, Sherri, Edward Rhegness Wolfe and his wife, Maria, Margaret Wolfe Clarida and her husband, Daryl, and James Blythe Wolfe and his wife, Julie.  He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or https://www.alz.org/

A memorial service at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where Harry was a lifelong member, will be delayed due to the Covid pandemic.   As the spread of the disease decreases, and the vaccine becomes more readily available, the family hopes to be able to hold a memorial service within two to three months.  Prior to the memorial service, Harry will be interred at the columbarium at Covenant in a private ceremony attended by close family members. This obituary will be published again once the date of the memorial service has been finalized.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.