H. Harlan Milstead

Howard Harlan Milstead, 78, of Harrisburg, NC, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed into eternal life on January 31st, 2017. His family was by his side when he passed at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Dad fought declining health valiantly for several years. "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV) Dad was born on January 16th, 1939 in Wilmington, Delaware, to Rev. Lawrence W. and Vergie Sumner Milstead. He grew up on Orchard Street in Mt. Airy, NC with fond memories of summers spent visiting family in Delaware and Maryland and of working at Milstead's Esso in Mt. Airy, alongside his father and brother. At 16 he moved with his family to Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, our mother Helen Bumgarner Milstead. Our parents shared an epic love story, having eloped after only a few weeks of dating, and celebrating their 59th year of marriage in October 2016. Dad owned Rainbow Paint Store on Independence Boulevard in Charlotte for almost 15 years. Later he worked for Collins & Aikman and Kraus Carpet Mills as a Sales Representative, traveling the southeast, until he retired. Dad served his Lord and his church from a young age. His faithful leadership of United Wesleyan Church (including the former Asbury Church) spanned over 50 years, including terms serving as Vice Chairman of the church board and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a faithful member of and thoroughly enjoyed the Charles Crecelius Sunday School Class at United, serving as class president for years. Dad also served as part of the Gideon Charlotte Northeast Camp for over 15 years. Dad gave his full heart and soul to everything he was involved in. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Helen Bumgarner Milstead, daughter Susan Ferguson and husband Steve, daughter Sharon Tyndall, all of Harrisburg, daughter Kelly Mahaffey of Mt. Holly; granddaughters Lily Katherine Tyndall, Amanda Carilli and husband Bryan, and Rebecca Ferguson and fiancé Zach Ringlein; brother Larry Milstead and wife Addie of Kings Mountain, NC, brother Don Milstead and wife Carol, of Liberty, SC, sister Ilean Beck of Gastonia, NC and sister Mary Ellen Covington and husband Michael of Harrisburg, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Dad never met a stranger - he was kind, friendly, and talkative to all he met. Our Dad made time for friends and family - whether it be a phone call or a conversation with a friend, or to help his family. He showed three young daughters by his own example the path they should travel, guiding us all along the way, giving us each a "good name, and good credit", and directing us that "what you do with it is up to you". He showed us the joys of a life spent serving God and serving others. He has left us with many happy memories of times spent together at the beach with family and friends and at church functions. Dad was a fish camp aficionado, going to eat at many fish camps around the region and even owning one for a time years ago. He loved to work in his yard and would sit on his back porch with friends and family on a summer day for hours. His most favorite times were spent around the table with all 3 generations of his family, enjoying a favorite family meal, or in the living room laughing and talking. He was an avid sports fan, and if a ballgame or race was on, he was watching it. He was a fan of the NC State Wolfpack, the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets, attending and watching many a game with his family. Our Dad was a loving, devoted husband and the best father and grandfather we could ever have had. He was beloved by many and will be sorely missed by us all. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the United Wesleyan Church Building Fund. -

Visitation Details

Friday, February 3rd, 2017 7:00pm - 8:30pm, United Wesleyan Church

Service Information

Saturday, February 4th, 2017 11:00am, United Wesleyan Church

Interment Details

Private