Henry Averill Harkey

December 1, 2021

Henry Averill Harkey passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the age of 72 following a short but hard-fought battle with leukemia.  

Henry was born on June 17, 1949, in Charlotte, NC, the son of Henry Lee Harkey and Mary Elizabeth (Lib) Averill Harkey.  Henry was a proud graduate of Myers Park High School, Washington & Lee University, and the 1975 class of Wake Forest University Law School.  Following ROTC in college, Henry was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Captain in 1979.

Henry began his professional legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with Mecklenburg County. In 1976 he joined the law firm of Harkey, Faggart, Coira, Fletcher and Lambeth, a firm founded by his father, Henry Lee Harkey, in 1946.    After his father’s retirement, Henry co-managed the firm with his brother, Averill. He and his brother also co-founded the real estate development firm of Morehead Properties, Inc.

As an active member of the Charlotte community, Henry was an avid supporter of the Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts of America program, receiving his Eagle Scout award in 1964. He was actively involved with Troup 55 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church from 1975 – 2001, serving as Scout Master from 1993 – 2001.  Henry was an active member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church having served for over 45 years in many capacities including Chair of the Board of Deacons, Chair of the Endowment Council, Clerk of Session, and multiple Pastor and Associate Pastor Nominating Committees. 

Henry’s civic involvement included serving with the Charlotte Jaycees, the Executive Committee of the Mecklenburg County Bar, the Charlotte Children’s Theatre, Double Oaks Nursery, the Mecklenburg Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  Henry also served as Chair of the following Boards: Charlotte Country Day School, Park Meridian Bank, Alexander Children’s Center, and InReach and most recently the Montreat Retreat Association. Henry was honored to receive several awards during his life, including the Charlotte Jaycee “Outstanding Young Man of the Year” award, Boy Scouts District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver award, and the Charlotte Country Day School Honorary Alumni Award and Volunteer Service Award, among others.

Henry was a gentle giant; a kind, compassionate, generous man with a keen sense of fairness coupled with the highest level of unshakable integrity. He enjoyed a wonderful sense of humor and always searched for the opportunity and then made the time to help others. His priority was always that of service to others and never to self. His gifts were many and freely shared with all who he was blessed to know and privileged to serve. His faith was strong and his love of God was evident in everything he did.   He was a tremendous role model to his two sons, his nieces and nephews, and his two adored grandchildren.  He will be sorely missed.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Catherine Ward Harkey and their two sons Jonathan Henry Harkey and his wife, Jill and their children Brooke and Ryan; Christopher Harris Harkey, and by his brother, Averill Currie Harkey and his wife Johanna and their daughter, Lauren.

A service to celebrate his life with us will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday December 6 at the Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte NC.  The service will also be available via livestreaming through the church website:  myersparkpres.org  The family will receive friends in Oxford Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift made in Henry’s memory to: 

Myers Park Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 or to Montreat Retreat Association, P.O. 969. Montreat, NC 28757

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.

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  • Co'Debra Bridges

    R.I.P My mother Catherine worked for the Harkey family and Mr Harkey Mother Mrs Lib. and I thank God for the yrs she spent with both families that she worked for until the end.May the Lord grant you all with peace and live each day with lovingkindness to all you meet along the way.

  • Patti Brooks McManus

    I am so sorry for your loss. Though I did not know Henry, I remember you well as a good friend in school and Girl Scouts. Moved back to Charlotte few years ago and saw you briefly at a Baird party. I live by Calavary Church and would love to see you again. Mainly I want you to know I’m a good listener and am here for you. Patti Brooks

  • Nick Karres

    I did not realize Henry passed on. So sorry to see that. We were classmates and fellow Shot Putters on track team.
    I enjoyed Henry at our practices, It was a pleasure because he was a fine human being and a good friend, sorry to
    See such a good person leave this world. May his memory be eternal.

  • Theresa McAlister

    Was not able to attend the service but you havd been constantly in my mind and heart !What a wonderful life you had toand what wnderful services Henry made to our community!
    Much like his Mother did, Please let mer come by some day and give you a hug--You are a special person !
    Fondly,
    Jerry McAlister

  • David and Sandy DuPuy

    Dear Cathy and family, we are so saddened to learn of Henry's passing. We are the better for having known him and remember most his big smile and his bigger heart and his many quiet acts of compassion and kindness to others. We will keep you all in our prayers.

  • Nancy Carter

    Dear Cathy,
    So very, very sorry to hear of your loss. You will be held close in our hearts and prayers.
    Nick and Nancy Carter

  • Chase Saunders

    Cathy,

    Carolyn and I would like to express our deepest sympathies and to you and your family. I have knew Henry for over 60 years and always regarded him as one of those men who could be counted on to do the right thing every time. He was highly regarded as a principled attorney. His contribution to Scouting and his Church was unparalleled. I shall miss him. Henry was one of those people whose life ensured the rest of us that there was some goodness and hope for mortals on Earth.

  • Lou and Osce Self

    So heartbroken to learn of Henry's death. His was a truly blessed life of love and service.
    We are thinking of you with love and sympathy,
    Lou and Osce

  • Stephen Mezardjian

    I had the privilege of knowing Henry for twenty years as a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church.
    As classmates in several Sunday school classes, I can recall that when Henry had a question or comment to add to any topic, it was always insightful
    and thought provoking. As an Eagle Scout, his demeanor, outlook on life and core values certainly embodied the Scout oath and the Twelve laws of scouting. I will miss most of all Henry’s broad grin and hearty handshake he would offer up anytime I would say hello. May the “Peace of Christ” be with the entire Harkey family, and may your fondest memories always remind you that he is never far from you.

    Sincerely,
    Steve.

  • Jay Dorman

    Thoughts and prayers for the family of a wonderful fraternity brother, outstanding man, and servant of his community.

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