Harold Vann Blake

     Harold Vann Blake, 76, a man of great courage and thoughtfulness entered his eternal life Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. 

     He was born April 29, 1949, in Wilmington, the son of James Gordon Blake, Jr. and Clara Vann Freeman Blake. Vann was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Frederick “Dean” Taylor, Jr. 

     Vann is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela “Pam” Burgess Blake; daughter, Andrea Blake; son, Harold “Hal” Vann Blake, Jr. and his wife, Ginger; granddaughter, Harper Vann Blake; mother-in-law, Darles Burgess; brothers, James “Jim” Gordon Blake III and Neil Freeman Blake and his wife, Mary; many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Also to be remembered are his beloved canine companion, Smokey, and his cat, Smidgen.

     Vann was a man of many talents and interests.  Growing up, he was very active in the Wallace Presbyterian Church youth group where he made a commitment to the Lord.  He learned the Scriptures and lived by the Golden Rule throughout his life.  He never sought the limelight or attention, but derived tremendous joy from helping others achieve their goals.

     He enjoyed his school years, attributing his love of learning to his mother, a career educator.  Valedictorian of his senior class at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, Vann excelled not only academically but also in sports, leading the Bulldogs to victory on the football field many times.  While talented in other sports, his excellence in football earned him a full scholarship to North Carolina State University, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of his father and brothers.  He was a proud member of the 1968 ACC Championship Wolfpack team and enjoyed his collegiate football career.  In 1971, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Fisheries Science.

     Vann was a natural born teacher which led him to a career in public education spanning over 34 years.  Teaching math and science, he started his career at James Keenan High School in Duplin County and ultimately moved to Pender County schools, where he taught, coached football, and later became a principal, dedicated to providing first rate educational opportunities in his schools.  Known respectfully as “Coach Blake” to many former student athletes, Vann was always touched to hear the title, as it acknowledged his career spanning commitment to his students’ development and achievement.  Recognizing his desire to make a transformative impact on a larger scale combined with his passion and commitment to students led Vann to school administration and, to this end, he earned a Master of Education degree from University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 1981.  Vann’s leadership elevated the opportunities and improved the outcomes for middle and high school students in multiple schools throughout Pender County.  He worked on the cutting edge to secure technological and educational resources in a time when such methods were not common.  He provided leadership on a broader scale by joining and then becoming President of the NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA) for many years.  A passionate advocate for all students combined with a strong sense of fairness and integrity, Vann used his strengths to empower and protect the most vulnerable in his care. 

     Vann had a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors, which he attributed to his father, who taught him to fish and hunt at an early age.  He greatly enjoyed and became an expert in hunting and fishing, both observing and protecting the wildlife and landscapes of God’s great creation, especially in Eastern North Carolina. While attending college, he spent summers at Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde County as a duck and goose hunting guide while forming cherished lifelong friendships.  He assisted in posting Gull Rock Game Land in Hyde County and participated in creel census efforts in the Atlantic, spending a week offshore on the R/V DAN MOORE.   He was a member of Ivanhoe Hunting Club from childhood, serving in several capacities, including President, for many years.  He worked to monitor and improve development of wildlife populations in the area, striving to form partnerships with landowners and club members to keep the traditions of hunting and fishing alive.  Vann always took time to mentor young hunters along the way, starting with his son, Hal, and extending to many others in the community.  Later, as a proud Papa, he helped teach his granddaughter, Harper, how to hunt.  One of the greatest victories he witnessed through the years was the return of the wild turkey, made possible through a partnership with the Wild Turkey Federation.  Later in life, he expanded his horizons to Western North Carolina and Missouri to enjoy all the natural resources they had to offer. 

     Vann was blessed to enjoy his well-earned retirement, spending time with family and friends, making memories that will be cherished throughout their lives.  One of his greatest joys was cooking for others, whether it was an intimate dinner for his family or an elaborate feast for his friends, church family, or school staff, he loved to see people enjoy his creations.  He continued this tradition and especially enjoyed cooking for friends on his hunting trips to Missouri.  Retirement also offered Vann the opportunity to enthusiastically join Pam in some transformative sightseeing and exploration.  He and Pam traveled extensively, seeing places he had only read about but longed to see and experience.  From fishing in Alaska to eating lobster on Prince Edward Island, appreciating the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest and breathtaking wonder of the Rockies and all the abundant wildlife in between, they enjoyed a rich spiritual life and many years of adventure.  Closer to home and a tremendous source of joy, Vann and his son, Hal, spent many hours enjoying the outdoors together.   Sharing this lifestyle with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter made it even sweeter. 

     Vann enjoyed a healthy exchange of ideas and through a lifetime of learning had become so knowledgeable as to be a resource on many topics.  This often resulted in it being very difficult to win the argument in a debate, though, with Vann, it was always a good-natured interaction.  He was a natural teacher and derived tremendous joy from seeing others excel and master previously difficult subjects or skills.  He was competitive, but throughout his life he experienced the greatest joy in serving others.  He had a generous spirit and was a man of simple faith who lived by the golden rule.  He was a true partner and soulmate to Pam, a dedicated father to Andrea and Hal, a role model and best friend to Hal, a cherished father-in-law to Ginger, and an adored Papa to granddaughter and namesake, Harper Vann.  His humor and wit, optimistic outlook, strength and integrity have been sources of joy, comfort, inspiration and just plain fun to friends and family alike.  Even in times of great challenge, he focused on the positives, on what could be done, having faith that the situation would get better, and he encouraged others to do the same.  It was impossible to know Vann and not have the experience to enhance or bring joy to one’s life in some way.  He was a steady source of strength, support, encouragement, and inspiration to those fortunate enough to be loved by him.  To truly know him was to love him in return. 

     The memorial service will be Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Kyle's Farm, 380 Ward Road, Harrells, NC  28444   https://www.kylesfarmnc.com/

     In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or making a contribution to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission - Home Page | NC Wildlife or  Check to NCWRC and mail to: NC Wildlife Resource Commission, 1702 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1702

     What a blessing Vann was to so many during his many years in Public Education, especially in Pender County. While remembering Vann keep Pam and all of the family in your prayers, thoughts and hearts.           

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting tribute wall. 

    A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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