Richard Henry Harts, Jr.

Richard Henry Harts, Jr., 83, of Burgaw passed from his earthly life Thursday, March 7, 2019 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

     He was born April 8, 1935 in Pender County, the son of the late Richard Henry and Edna Atkinson Harts.

     Richard leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley Malpass Harts; sons, William R. “Willie” Harts and Gregory W. "Greg” Harts and his wife, Robin; grandchildren, Crystal Wainright (Nick), and Kelley Griffin (Brent); great grandchildren, Casey, Abby, and Grayson; brothers, Bobby Harts (Caramel), Jimmy Harts (Cindy), Jacky Harts (Priscilla), and Larry Harts (Neva); sisters, Wanda Kosh (Jimmy) and Bonida Langston (Ernie); many nieces and nephews.

     Richard served his country proudly in the US Naval Reserves for eight years. He was an excellent pipe fitter and welder and was member of UA Local 421, North Charleston, SC. Richard was a longtime member of King Solomon Lodge No. 138 A.F.& A.M. where he had served as Past Master.

     Family and friends of Richard were blessed to learn many valuable life lessons from Richard during his 83 years on this earth; among them were to give of one’s self and leave the world a better place. He loved his family and his Lord. The following poem he carried and shared with many.

                                                                                  I Held the Master’s Hand

Out of the darkness beyond the stars where all ours dreams come true,  One by one the angels came to lead me away from you.

I turned away and bid goodbye to all the love around. God has called for me to be with Him on sacred ground.

Smile through your tears when you think of me for, I held the Master’s hand, When Christ reached out to welcome me as I entered holy land.

As trumpets sounded softly my soul was filled with glee, in the glory of the morning Our Lord had welcomed me.

I walked with him through heaven we approached the eternal throne, Jesus turned to me and said, “I love you, welcome home!”

     The family will receive friends 10 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2019 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw with service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kenny Chinn and Pastor Rob Strickland will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Pike Creek Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be given to Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or to Masonic Eastern Star Home, 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27407.

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall or Guestbook.      

     Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Henry Harts, Jr., please visit our floral store.