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March 28, 2024

Harry Mitchell Deal, Jr.

Harry Mitchell Deal, Jr.

Harry Mitchell Deal, Jr., 76, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Hickory.

He was born on May 19, 1941, in Alexander County, son of the late Harry M. Deal Sr. and Eloise Carter Deal.

Harry graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1959, where his passion for music began as a member of the school band, which lead to the formation of the Top 40, Beach Music Band, Harry Deal and the Galaxies. He graduated from Duke University in 1963, where he was a member of the Duke Marching Band and the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. Harry’s active career in music spanned more than 50 years with many accolades and recognitions for his musical achievements. In his free time, he enjoyed photography, tennis, music of all kinds, and was an avid Duke fan.

He is preceded in death by his son, David “Davo” Deal.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Geneva Pennell Deal; a daughter, Donna Harrington (Terry); grandchildren, Josie Martin, Shane Harrington (Roxanna), Ross Harrington, and Tanner Harrington; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Eaden, and Emmalyn; brother, Jimmy Deal (Myrna); a nephew, Dustin Deal (Elizabeth) of Hickory; a niece, Jennifer Patterson (Gary); aunts, Marilyn Harrington and Rachel Deal; and a number of cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at First Baptist Church, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow, at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Dan Redding and Rev. Mark Robinette officiating. Inurnment will be with the family.

Pallbearers will be: David Guy, Tim Pennell, Dustin Deal, Andy Deal, John Deal, Ross Harrington, Jimmy White Jr, and Franklin Rice.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Gary Patterson, Dr. Rusty Faulkenberry, Mark Hollo, Danny Kerley, Mark Pennell, Alan Pennell, and Dr. Joel Inman.

All memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church, 321 West Main Avenue, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com.

8 Comments

  1. G.M., Martha, and Monica Dagenhart (Winston Salem) on December 20, 2017 at 4:29 am

    We will always remember Harry’s trumpet solos. Sincerest condolences to his loved ones and friends.

  2. Duck and Sue Dayton on December 20, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    Our very deepest sympathy for the family of Harry Deal,Jr. A legend in his time

  3. Delores Barnes on December 20, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    My heart hurts for his wife and family. He was a special person to me and I. Loved him and his family THEY WERE SUCH A BLESSING TO ME HE WILL LIVE FOREVER IN MY HEART. MY PRAYERS TO YOU ALL

  4. All the employees of Dollar Tree of Talyorsvill on December 20, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    Harry will be missed by everyone one at the store. We all enjoyed talking with him when he would come in. We will be playing his Christmas CD this weekend all weekend in his memory. Prayers and condolences at this time.

  5. Sue Carswell on December 22, 2017 at 8:54 am

    My prayers are with your family. Harry was a fine man and was always smiling.
    I loved his 60’s music and will never forget seeing him at Myrtle Beach.
    God Bless.

  6. Dianne Hudson on December 22, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Our deepest sympathy goes to Geneva and the rest of the family. Harry was such a sweet man and a very talented person. He will be greatly missed. From David Gentry and family.

    • Ken Smith on March 22, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      I will never forget Harry Deal and the Galaxies performing at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. I remember two friends and me driving to Myrtle Beach from Greenville, SC in 1964(5 hours) just to hear and dance to Harry Deal and the Galaxies. He brought joy to my life as a young person. May God rest his soul.

  7. Mike Inscore on August 20, 2022 at 11:11 am

    When in the youthful prime of my life, I was a bartender at the Star Dust Inn in Wilkesboro where I became friends with Harry when the Galaxies performed there. He and his band became a very popular attraction drawing large capacity crowds with each performance. After my brief tendure being a bartender, I followed Harry to many other venues to enjoy his music and camaraderie. I didn’t realize he had passed away until last summer.Thanks for the memories of those fond occassions of days gone by my old friend! RIP

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