Harold Clifton Bizzell

DURHAM -Mr. Harold Clifton Bizzell, 92, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at St. Joseph of the Pines in Southern Pines, NC.Mr. Bizzell was born October 4, 1925 in Durham, NC to the late Walter Ingram and Thelma Taylor Bizzell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Carl Alton Bizzell, Muriel Bizzell Bailey, Alma Bizzell Miller and Hubert Bizzell.Mr. Bizzell devoted his life serving others as a loving husband, father, church member and with local civic organizations. He was man who loved God, his country, his family and his many friends he made throughout his lifetime. He always sincerely appreciated any gesture of goodwill offered towards him. He made friends easily because he was always willing to be a friend to others. He was quick with a smile and would offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Throughout his life he positively impacted many lives because he genuinely loved and cared deeply for others.After graduating from Durham High School in 1943 he joined the United States Navy. He served in the 34th Special Seabee Battalion during World War II – playing clarinet with the Naval Band prior to being assigned duty as a Stevedore on the island of Guam. Upon his discharge from the Navy he attended East Carolina University before transferring to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Graduating in 1951 he remained a lifelong enthusiastic and loyal Tarheel fan.Upon his college graduation he took employment working with oil field exploration with Kerr-McGee Oil Company in Lamesa, Texas. Approximately 2 years later he returned to Durham to help his father with his independent home fuel oil delivery business. He owned and operated Bizzell Oil Company for over 35 years. He was very dedicated to his customers – often going out to their homes very late hours, in extreme weather conditions and on holidays for those who may have run out of fuel and had no heat. After retirement from his oil business he worked another 10 years delivering supplies to job sites in the Raleigh-Durham area for Brown Brothers Plumbing and Heating.He was a member of Carr United Methodist Church for over 80 years until transferring his membership to Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church in 2006. He taught Sunday School classes at the two churches for over 50 years.He dearly loved singing and was a member of the choirs at both churches. In addition, for several years he sang with a men’s vocal group at Mt. Sylvan UMC, The Crossties – singing both in church as well in locations in the community. He also sang with the Angier Avenue Baptist Joyful Noise singers and for a few years with the Durham Choral Society.He was a member of the Friendly City Civitan Club since 1978 as well as the Mt. Sylvan Ruritan Club. In addition he was a member and enjoying participation in the Eno Seniors Association Golf League and Seniors Bowling League.Mr. Bizzell is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Valerie B. Bizzell; sons, Walter Gregory Bizzell of Tampa, Fl; Andrew Clifton Bizzell (Karen) of Durham, NC; daughter, Beverly Carol Bizzell (Charles Barnes) of Southern Pines, NC;brother, Jerry Bizzell of Wallace, NC; grandchildren, Michael A. Bizzell of Raleigh, NC; Diane B. Bizzell of Norfolk, VA; nieces, Carolyn M. Amick (Marty), Nancy Miller; nephews, Kenneth Bizzell, David Bizzell (Candace) and many loving friends.Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church, 5731 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC 27712. Officiating will be Rev. Larry Bowden. The family will receive friends prior to the service, starting at 11:00 AM in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 2107 Liberty St., Durham, NC 27703Flowers are acceptable or donations in Harold’s memory may be made to CEC/Seabees Historical Foundation, PO Box 657, Gulfport, MS 39502 or Friendly City Civitan Club, 2510 Glendale Avenue, Durham, NC 27704.Arrangements entrusted to Hudson Funeral Home and Cremation Services,211 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, NC. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.hudsonfuneralhome.com

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