John Harrison "Harry" Talley, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Harrison "Harry" Talley, Sr., on October 13, 2024, at the age of 93. He passed at home surrounded by family after a long and fulfilling life. Harry was born on December 15, 1930, in Sanford, NC, to Graham Monroe Talley and Beulah Catheryne Garner.

Harry met the love of his life, his wife of 73 years, Marie LaForce Talley, while in high school. Harry was a husband of unwavering determination, love, and support for his family and community. Along with his wife, he was a member of Franklinton United Methodist Church, in Franklinton, NC.

He walked with Christ his entire life and was sanctified in 1955, in part to the Billy Graham ministries.

He lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others.

From his humble days, as a boy growing up in North Carolina, Harry never shied away from hard work. He hauled ice blocks as a child in the third grade, and worked horses along the East Coast, during the summer for the better part of his childhood.

During school in 1949, Harry walked into the wrong class room one day and saw Marie for the first time. They could both still tell you what the other was wearing. Harry realized over time he had found his soulmate, so on August 17, 1951, he made Marie his bride.

He served in the Navy, on board the USS Sierra, as a Machinist Mate Class "A", during the Korean conflict. The time he served turned Harry into an engineer and the talent served him well through life. 

He was employed with Continental Can Paper Mill, of Hopewell, for 35 years as a Maintenance Supervisor. They loved RV camping, and after retirement, Harry and his bride traveled across the United States several times.

His talents were legendary, and he was soon asked to act as consulting director on projects for his former employer across the nation. He spent another 13 years giving a number of projects the Harry seal of approval.

He served his church in various capacities, working with youth and participating on many committees. He was the Chairman of the Building Committee for Wesley United Methodist Church, Hopewell, for the present sanctuary.

He had the desire to fly, so once the children were grown, he took flying lessons at the Chesterfield County Airport, and became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He also learned to scuba dive through the Petersburg YMCA. He was a member of the American Legion Post 52, in Franklinton, NC. He was a master craftsman, building a sunroom and deck on their home. He also had a desire at age 88 to build a boat, which he fulfilled.

He had another passion, the Boy Scouts of America. Bill Drake and Harry began Troop 936 at Wesley United Methodist Church, serving as Scoutmasters. Ray Thomas and Harry began the gymnastic team, Flying Explorers Troop 936. He volunteered his time in scouting for over 50 years. He was a James E. West Fellow, a member of the Order of the Arrow, a Wood Badge recipient, and a Silver Beaver Award recipient, which is the highest council award given to scout volunteers. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Monroe Talley and Lynne Talley; and his sisters, Francis Allen and Maxine Klooz. He is survived by his wife, Marie LaForce Talley; daughter, Janet T. Boyer (Tom); son, John H. Talley, Jr. (Patty); daughter, Jennie T. Nienaber (Anthony); grandchildren, Mason Talley (Tanya), Clint Belcher (Rhiannon), Cassie Parrish (Daniel), and Ashley Nienaber; and great-grandchildren, Emerson, Eden, Landen, and Victoria; as well as several nieces, nephews, and beloved friends, the William Drake family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Harrison officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Harry's honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.