Harry Lancaster, Sr.

Harry Lancaster, 92, of Spartanburg, SC, loving husband for 65 years to the late Evelyn Brown Lancaster, died Thursday, December 26 at his home. Mr. Lancaster was born April 7, 1921 in Walnut Grove, SC. He was the son of the late Louvenia Belcher and John L. Lancaster, Sr. and a graduate of Roebuck High School and Robinson Business College. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served in World War II on the USS Thomas J. Gary. When the war was over, he was a part of the evacuation effort for survivors of the Batan Death March. After managing Willard Oil Company for twenty years, he and his brother established Dixie Tire Automotive and Cart Petroleum in 1968. He was owner and president of the Asheville Highway business for more than 30 years, mentoring and passing leadership to his son, Harry Lancaster Jr., who continues the family business today. Near and dear to his heart was his church family at Central United Methodist Church where he was a devoted member for 65 years. He served in numerous leadership positions in the church including chairman of the Administrative Board for ten years, chairman of Buildings and Grounds, and Superintendent of Sunday Schools. Together with his wife, Evelyn, he also helped establish the Upper Room Sunday School Class. In the Spartanburg community, Mr. Lancaster served on the Salvation Army Board, as president of the Spartanburg chapter of the American Business Club, and was a Scottish-Rites Mason. Harry was an avid golfer and gin rummy player, with fond memories of many years at the Country Club of Spartanburg. He and his wife enjoyed dancing at the Shamrock Ballroom Club, Palmetto Dance Club, and First Presbyterian Church's Thursday Ballroom Dance Class. They shared a love of gardening, with Evelyn tending the flower beds while he cultivated fruits and vegetables; and of world travel, including trips from Japan to Hawaii and Alaska to Australia. They found special joy in their grandchildren. A gruff exterior thinly veiled the kind heart and deeply caring spirit for which he is lovingly remembered by family and friends. The irony of his nickname "Sweetie," given to him by his grandson, brought smiles and a chuckle to those who knew and loved him. Sweetie is survived by one son, Harry Lancaster, Jr. "Skipper"; two grandchildren, William Andrew Wallace Lancaster and wife Beth of Spartanburg, and Evelyn Wallace Lancaster of Atlanta, GA; two great grandchildren, William Wallace Lancaster and Katherine Baines Lancaster of Spartanburg; a niece, who he and his wife raised, Sandra Brown McKnight and husband Chuck of Big Canoe, GA; and nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. The family thanks Angie Lightner for her loving care and support over the past 6 years, and also Annie Peterson. Mr. Lancaster was predeceased by six siblings: Piere Lancaster, John L. Lancaster Jr., Ruby Lancaster Van Patton, Walker M. Lancaster, James J. Lancaster, and Douglas Lancaster. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013, at Central United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. Alex Stevenson. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or to The Salvation Army, PO Box 2909, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Harry Lancaster, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.