Obituary of Harry David DeLoach

COLUMBIA-Harry David DeLoach, 86 of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family and friends on Friday, August 8, 2014 after a short illness. He was predeceased in death by his spouse of 58 years, Jean (Baer) DeLoach and his sister, Lois Randall, of Hilton Head. He is survived by his daughter Rita (Jimmy) Courson of Cordele, Georgia; son Hank (Pam) DeLoach of Columbia; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Harry was born in Beaufort, South Carolina on December 27, 1927. Harry never knew his parents as both died of Tuberculosis before he was three. He was raised by his grandmother and two aunts during the Great Depression. What they lacked financially they made up for in determination! While attending Beaufort High School, he was the state leading scorer in both football and basketball. He played college football for the University of South Carolina in the late 40s and early 50s where he played with and ultimately replaced Steve Wadiak. After graduating from USC, Harry was given the opportunity to play professional football for the Green Bay Packers. His professional career ended when he was drafted by the military. Harry spent the next two years in Germany where he continued his football career. Harry served in both the National Guard and the US Army throughout his working career of 38 years. It was upon retirement, that he was able to pursue his full time love, volunteer work. Harry was an active member of Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. During that time he steadfastly worked the soup kitchen, served as deacon, and maintained the grounds. Essentially if the church needed it, he was there. Harry was also a volunteer Master Gardener at Riverbanks Zoo for a number of years. Pop loved his plants! He donated blood to the American Red Cross on a monthly basis and has given more than 23 gallons of blood during his lifetime. His true passion was serving the Harvest Hope Food Bank. He volunteered there for over 20 years on a full time basis. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and it made him feel good giving something back to his community. His volunteer efforts were recognized in Greenville, when he was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award for the State of South Carolina. Eventually Harry was forced to withdraw from his volunteer work. It wasn't from age or inability, Harry was needed elsewhere. He needed to take care of his ailing spouse. Jean was poor of frame but rich in needs! Our father will be greatly missed! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209, with Pastor David Setzer officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park.