George "Buck" Harrington

George “Buck” Harrington, 83, of the Tusculum Community, passed away Monday morning to be with his Lord and Savior. He died after a courageous, brief fight with cancer; his wife, Jean, at his side. Buck was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed life and brought joy into any room he entered. A faithful follower of Christ, he was a member of Towering Oaks Baptist Church.

Buck was born August 26, 1933 to the late Claude and Vertis Harrington. Raised in Wadesboro, North Carolina, he had an active childhood and an adventurous spirit that often got him into trouble. He played football at Wadesboro High School where he was voted “best sport” by his classmates. After high school he moved to Newport News, Virginia, to work at Newport News Shipbuilding. It was there he met his wife, Jean, before being drafted into the Army, where he served for two years as a paratrooper and a clerk typist. Returning to Newport News Shipbuilding after his time in the Army, Buck put his all into the work he did. An incredibly skilled handyman and a sharp technical mind, he could craft or fix almost anything. He had determination and persistence when it came to the task at hand, and that carried over into every aspect of his life. The opening of Greeneville Metal Manufacturing brought him and his family to Greeneville, Tennessee, where he eventually served as plant manager. He ended his professional career at Graysburg Hills Golf Course in Greeneville.

Buck was the definition of young at heart. He could keep up with the kids on any family adventure and enjoyed hobbies such as hiking, camping, skiing, golfing, woodworking, and going on family vacations. He was also an avid attendee at Greeneville Relay for Life events. Buck had a playful spirit and a quick wit that could instantly bring a smile or laugh to anyone. He loved his family well and was tremendously proud of his late daughter, Lisa White, and grandchildren, Devin and Haley White. He was the “favorite uncle” of many nieces and nephews.

He lived his life as an example of humbleness and generosity, often sacrificing much to put others before himself. That of course wasn’t without an itch to be first in line and a lead foot. Buck had a tough-as-nails exterior and attitude, but a tender heart when it came to those he was close to. The glint in his eye, his warm personality, and passion for life will be deeply missed in this world.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Betty Jean (Lilley) Harrington; son-in-law: Glenn White; two grandchildren: Devin White (wife, Laura Lynn White) and Haley White; sister and brother: Troyene Cowick and Robbie Harrington (wife, Debbie Harrington); brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Shelton and Carol Lilley, and Daphine Clark; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded death by a daughter: Lisa Jean (Harrington) White; brother: Harold Harrington; and brothers-in-law: Ellis Cowick and William Clark.

The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Thursday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm Friday at Oak Grove Cemetery (Greeneville) with Dr. James K. “Tommy” Pierce officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jake Bowers, Danny Cowick, Scott Felts, John Fisher, Kenny Jenkins, and Dan Lawing.

Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Cowick, Dwayne Cowick, Shelton Lilley III, and Greg Nunn.

Family and friends are asked to meet at 1 pm Friday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution to Towering Oaks Baptist Church or American Cancer Society.