Harold David Fletcher

Harold David Fletcher, 88, of Durham, NC passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, at Cambridge Hills Assisted Living Facility. 

Harold was born on October 25, 1934, to Clarence and Beulah Warren Fletcher of Durham, NC.  Harold was one of 10 children.  He and his family were tenant farmers.  He developed a very strong work ethic at a young age.  He was always hustling to find ways to make an extra buck to help his family survive.  Harold faced a lot of adversity, but it did not deter him from striving to reach his life goals.  He secured his first “real” job working as a butcher for Central Carolina Farmers.  After a period of time with CCF, he went to work for Kenan Oil Company as a truck driver.  He worked his way up and became a manager.  He then went on to work for FCX as a sales professional and regional manager.  He found his passion in sales in the propane gas industry.  Gardner-Marsh Gas Equipment Company would be his home for many years.  Harold achieved great success with Gardner-Marsh and became very well-known and respected in the industry.  Sales was his calling, and he excelled in a big way!  He would go on to retire in 2019 at the age of 84. 

Harold married Tennielean Hill Fletcher on July 18, 1959.  He and Tennie were devoted and loving partners for 63 years.  They had two children, Harold David Fletcher II and Tamara Sue Fletcher.

Harold loved to play golf, ride his Harley and travel.  He played many amazing courses throughout his life…a few being Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, St. Andrews as well as many others while visiting Scotland.  He was an adventurer.  He went on Harley rides and trips with a group of his good buddies.  They traveled to many beautiful and amazing places in the US.  He and Tennie also enjoyed traveling together.  They visited Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada just to name a few.  

He called Durham Memorial Baptist Church his church home for many years.  He was an active member of the Soul Winners Sunday School Class and served on numerous leadership committees in the church. Harold was heavily involved in his community.  He was very active in the Oak Grove Athletic Association:  coaching, fundraising, officiating and working concessions.  He was a member of the Durham Exchange Club for many years, holding various leadership positions including President.  Harold loved his community and wanted to make a difference wherever he went. 

He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Duke, Atlanta Braves and Durham Bulls He loved to attend Duke basketball and Durham Bulls baseball games, being a season ticket holder for both.  

Harold was always available to help anyone in need; he had a truly warm and generous spirit.  He cared!  Harold loved to grill and host events and gatherings.  He was a Broilmaster guy.  He would smoke numerous turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas for his friends and family. 

The most precious people in his life were his grandchildren, Joanna and Patrick.  He was always present in their lives from the day they were born.  He took them on camping trips and adventures!  Those children were so very blessed to have such an amazing Poppie!

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Tennielean Hill Fletcher.  He is survived by his son, Harold David Fletcher, II (Sherri), daughter Tamara Sue Fletcher, granddaughter, Joanna Nicole Fletcher, grandson, James Patrick Dodson, Brother(in-law), James Thomas Hill (Renee’), Sister(in-law), Willa Hill Berry, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Durham Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, October 8, 2023.  Visitation is from 2:00-3:00 PM, service is at 3:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Durham Rescue Mission.