Harley Crawford Stilwell

Harley Crawford Stilwell, 91, of Hickory, went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2013 at Lutheran Home West. Born June 4, 1921 in Salisbury, NC, he was the son of the late George Franklin Stilwell and Carrie Rogers Stilwell. Harley was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church, and was a WWII veteran, having served in the Coast Guard for three years. He retired from Southern Railroad after 40+ years of service; was a charter member and the second President of the St Stephens Optimist Club where he was an announcer for many years for little league baseball.

In addition to his parents, Harley was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Lucy Stilwell, second wife, Grace Kates Stilwell and son, Elwin Stilwell.

He is survived by his daughters, Hazel Fulbright and husband Steve of Hickory, Judy Gilcrease and husband Roy of Lufkin, TX and Joyce Nalley and husband Lee of Hickory; step-son, Wayne Kates and wife Cindy of Hickory; grandchildren, Darren Fulbright and wife Pam of Vale, Stephanie Fulbright of Shelton, CT, Tracy Stilwell of Shelby, Brian Stilwell and wife Beth of Shelby, Dennis Gilcrease and wife Sharon of Lufkin, TX, Christie Bailey and husband Forest “Bo” of Zavalla, TX and Mandy Johnson and husband Brandon of LaVernia, TX; step-grandchildren, Pam Kates Herrara of Hickory and Stephanie Montes of Lares, Puerto Rico; 13 great-grandchildren; beloved caregiver of 8 years, Darlene Leslie and his beloved dog, Honey.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Hickory with Pastor Jerry Hurley and Pastor Ben Rowe officiating. Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lakeview Baptist Church for the Annie Armstrong Missions, 4080 N Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601.

Pallbearers to honor Mr. Stilwell will be Dennis Gilcrease, George “Chip” Nuhrah, Brian Stilwell, Rodney Stilwell, Nicholas Washburn, Roy Gilcrease and Steve Kaufman.