Bud Hargrave

Mr. Charles Clement “Bud” Hargrave, 90, formerly of Lexington, died Wednesday, January 31 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Hargrave was born September 15, 1933 in Lexington to Charles Hamilton Hargrave and Eva Hackney Hargrave. His parents, his step-mother, Marlin Davis Hargrave, and his brother, C.H. “Hammy” Hargrave, preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and was a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He retired from Carolina Panel Company, where he last served as general manager.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Bett” George Hargrave; his daughters, Downing Hargrave Hudson (John “Biff”), Melinda Hargrave-Kanzow (Thomas), and Sally Hargrave Benfield (Brian) as well as his granddaughters, Hamilton Cecil Hudson, Elizabeth Hargrave Kanzow, Eva Downing Hudson, Marlin Eloise Kanzow, Margaret Bonner Benfield (Noah Tittle) and Madison Benfield Nelson (Jacob). He is also survived by his sister, Eve Hargrave Smith (Sherwood) of Raleigh.

Bud graduated from Augusta Military Academy and began his university studies at Duke University. He soon transferred to UNC, a move his father quipped was “the only transfer on record that improved the academic standards of both schools”. At UNC he engaged in an active social life, where he met Bett. As a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, he made many lifelong friends. He remained a loyal Tar Heel fan and supporter his entire life.

After graduation from UNC he married Bett and joined the Marine Corps. The couple moved to California, the only time they ever lived outside of North Carolina. When they returned to Lexington, Bud began working at Carolina Panel Co. He was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and particularly enjoyed assisting with the pancake supper.

Bud was a devoted family man and hands-on father and grandfather.  His interest in North Carolina history was shared with his children and grandchildren as they visited special places in the state. He and his wife traveled the world which fed his curiosity and contributed to his enduring interest in learning. He read avidly, was fond of listening to music and enjoyed amateur painting.

Bud will always be remembered for his gentle kindness and loving spirit which he particularly showered on his six granddaughters. They delighted in the many adventures Poppy offered: learning to swim in the pool, visiting car shows, walking around the farm, eating Lexington barbeque, and going out for breakfast biscuits accompanied by a coupon special. Taking on his values as they grew, his granddaughters learned to appreciate his talent for resourcefulness (“use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without!”) and came to cherish him as a wonderful eccentric who always had a surprise up his sleeve. An expert back scratcher, Poppy was the ultimate bedtime storyteller. He could always be relied on for a logical approach to difficult situations.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date at Lexington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Grace Church Sunday lunch program, the Marlin and Ham Hargrave Memorial Scholarship at Davidson County Community College, or charity of choice.