Dr. Harry Vaughn Dellinger

Harry was born in Monroe, North Carolina on August 6, 1928, to the late Ellis Streetford Dellinger and Bertha Mae Jones Dellinger, and was the last of six children. Harry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Vivian Mitchem Dellinger, parents, and his siblings Edgar Streetford Dellinger, Carroll Jones Dellinger, Frances Dellinger Spencer, William Dwight Dellinger and is survived by one sibling Joy Dellinger Botts.

Harry leaves behind four children: Kathy Dellinger Dufour and husband Richard, David Hugh Dellinger, Alicia Dellinger Gabree, and Ruth Mason Dellinger and husband Timothy. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Kinsey Gabree, Riley Gabree, Anna Stamp; Gabrielle Young, Gague Young Teagan Young, Mason Young, Maya Young, Olivia Dellinger, Lorelei Murray, and Hank Murray. He loved and was beloved by his many nieces and nephews. Harry exemplified a life of family and service.

During World War II, Harry wanted to follow his older brothers to war, but at 17 he needed his parents’ permission. His mother pointed to the three stars on the window and said that she already gave three sons to the war and she couldn’t give another one. So, he stayed home, but would make runs to Virginia to get updates from the ship builders on his brothers’ ships when they would not hear about their status.

Harry joined the newly created Air Force in 1948 and served in Korea and Japan with the 3201 Air Force Police Squad, earning the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal. Upon leaving the Air Force, Harry went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (1956), and Master of Arts in Education and Guidance (1966) from Western Carolina University. Then he later earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi (1971). He was a 70+ year member of the Lowell Chapter of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in the 36th Masonic District of North Carolina and a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Charlotte, North Carolina (1966).

He met Vivian Mitchem while they were both teachers at Ashley High School in Gastonia, North Carolina. (1964) Not long after they married (1966), they moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi where he earned his doctorate of education. While he and Vivian attended the University of Southern Mississippi, he was the Principal of the Hattiesburg High School where he led the first successful and peaceful integrated class.

After completion of his studies, he and Vivian moved back to Satellite Beach, Florida where he was appointed the Director of Vocation Education for the Brevard Public School District.

In 1974, Harry and his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he and Vivian took professor positions at Florida State College at Jacksonville and both stayed in Jacksonville for the remainder of their lives.

Harry had many nicknames during his lifetime. When he was a young boy, his babysitter would call him “Old Soul”, in High School he was called “Snake” and that one lasted his entire life. Uncle Snake, Pops, Daddy O, and Bald Dude were many affectionate monikers that followed him.

Harry also liked a bargain and would spend time looking for an opportunity to “horse-trade” and negotiate deals, spending many weekends at Flea Markets and Garage Sales. He was infamous for his numerous and rotating used car collection and his love for cheep beer (Old Milwaukee Best).

Harry had a great sense of humor and was a lifelong philanthropic soul. When asked what he taught he would often reply, “A lot of tourists and a few students.” He had a soft heart for the underdog and founded a daycare for underprivileged kids and owned transitional housing for drug rehab individuals. He would provide assistance and money to acquaintances if he thought he could help. He was the person that friends and family alike would call/see about an issue, decision, or just some sage advice. There are countless examples of his giving nature.

A graveside service for Harry will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 3:00PM to 4:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. A Celebration of Life fellowship with the family will be held after the gravesite ceremony at the old Boondocks located at 2511 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32210.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the wonderful staff at Ortega Gardens Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit and Vitas Hospice for their care of Harry. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Dellinger family.