By Staff
William Eugene "Gene" Harrington, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 21, 2010, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by his family and friends during his last days. Gene is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan Neal Harrington; son William Eugene "Tripp" Harrington III and wife Julie; granddaughter Anna Davis Harrington; son Christopher Neal "Neal" Harrington and wife Jamie; sister Barbara Harrington Williams and husband Butch; brother-in-law James E. Neal and wife Catherine; three nieces, two nephews, three great-nieces and two great-nephews.
Gene was born in Washington, North Carolina on May 9, 1945, the son of the late Annie Bryan and William Eugene Harrington. After a memorable childhood in his hometown on the Pamlico River, he graduated from East Carolina University, where he met his wife Susan.
Gene was a well known and highly respected developer, home builder, appraiser and realtor in Charlotte. After starting his career as a mortgage banker, he founded Harrington &Associates in 1977. Gene had a well earned reputation for quality homes, excellent developments, ingenuity, taste and integrity. He served as President of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte and was the recipient of the Home Builder of the Year award. Before becoming a builder while he was still a mortgage banker, Gene received the Home Builder Associate of the Year award. Gene also was a founding member and director of Carolina Custom Builders Guild.
Gene has always been involved in mentoring other builders. In recent times, he devoted countless hours advising other builders (his competitors) as they navigated these troubled times. He was a builder’s builder and a credit to his industry.
Gene, together with his business partners and close friends Kenneth Dowd and Stephen Pace, developed many neighborhoods in the greater Charlotte area, including: Hempstead, Bellemeade, Oxford Hunt, Crofton, Providence Springs, Berkley, Old Saint Andrews at Piper Glenn, Kensington, Providence Springs, Highgate (Homearama 2003), Hadley Park and Bromley.
Gene was a wonderful husband, father, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, mentor, business man, business partner, boss and friend. He lived a meaningful and full life. He will be remembered and missed.
The family wants to express its appreciation to Dr. Grant Taylor and the staff at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte for the compassionate and dedicated care of Gene during his illness.
Memorials may be made to Avondale Prebyterian Church, 2821 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28209; Alex Crisp Foundation, 6719-C Fairview Road, Charlotte, NC 28210; Patriot Gala, 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210; Leukemia Society — The Western North Carolina Chapter, 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28210
A visitation was held at the Harrington’s home on Friday April 23, 2010. from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a memorial service at Avondale Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m., on April 24, 2010.
Paid Obituary