of Searcy, AR
September 19, 1939 - October 15, 2022
Harold A. Valentine was born on September 19, 1939 in Jackson, Mississippi to his parents, Otho and Lucille Valentine. He passed away on October 15, 2022 in Searcy, Arkansas with his family by his side. He was a life long member of the Church of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Dolores Christal Valentine; three sons, Stan (Lisa) Valentine, Scott (Jill) Valentine and Michael (Dina) Valentine; six grandchildren Easton (Jenna) Valentine, Megan Valentine, Auburn (Joey) Stallings, Mandy (Braydon) Brown, Macy Valentine and Molly Valentine; seven great-grandchildren Lennon Valentine, Emmitt Stallings, Merrick Valentine, Elias Stallings, Sheridan Valentine, Jubilee Stallings, Elliott Valentine along with many many friends.
Harold was blessed with many accomplishments in his life beginning with an excellent education as he graduated Harding Academy in Searcy in 1957. He continued his education by attending Harding University where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education in 1961. Later he completed his Master's Degree in Education also from Harding University. He spent the majority of his career in Education. He not only loved Harding but he loved Searcy High School as well and has had life-long friends that were once colleagues.
He was an official on the city, state and national level. He participated in state and national Track and Field programs and was always encouraging young people to participate. Harold was inducted into the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame, Harding University Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame. He not only officiated in Track and Field events but was also known for being a National Director of the Dixie Youth Baseball.
Harold never met a stranger, but always a friend. He loved to connect with people. He never missed an opportunity to let people know how much they meant to him. He was always very loyal to family and friends. Once he shared this quote on Facebook: ''In the blink of an eye, everything can change, so forgive often and love with all your heart. You may never know when you may not have that chance again.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harding University Bison Booster or the University of Arkansas Athletic Foundation for the Track & Field or Cross Country teams.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas.
Online: guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy
Harold and I were classmates at zHarding and when we graduated we both taught school at Harding Academy in Memphis, TN. It was there in Memphis that we became very close friends that lasted till the end of his life. My life was blessed to have had Harold as a great Christian friend and brother. Prayers for his good family.
"Mr. V" was a huge part of my Harding experience. A dorm parent in Armstrong my freshman year and club sponsor for Titans. With that booming voice and stern look, he could put the fear of God into you (always well deserved). Then minutes later he would smile and make you feel like family. I was fortunate to reconnect at Harding's Homecoming last year. I walked up to Mr. V and asked if he remembered me. He smiled and said, of course I do (I was proud for a moment) and then he said I always remember the ones that ended up in my office (we laughed). He was a great molder of young people and will be missed.
We are so saddened by Harold’s passing. Dolores we have a special place in our heart for Harold and you as you were among the first students I met when arriving on Harding Campus in the Summer of 1958. I ran track with Harold that year and we stayed Friends until Saturday’s Bisons Football Game! I was in town for a Family Reunion so I decided to go to the Game and Harold had called me two weeks before promising to meet me at the Game. Coach Barden and I were together and a txt message came at 3pm that Harold had passed away.
Harold’s velvet voice will be missed for so many. His smile will be missed by many. Harold will be missed by those of us who he kept communications with from time to time! Harold is in the arms of the Lord and he is Loving it! May God Bless the Family! Trish&Lew!
Mentor, friend, teacher, colleague, and faithful Christian only begin to describe Harold's character.
It was always a joy to cross paths with him - whether it was at vocational conferences, during summer baseball, or just talking about our kids.
May comfort and peace be with Harold's family and all who cherished his friendship.♥ï¸
My friend Harold and I often roomed together while we attended various events for vocational educators. It’s hard in a few words to describe this gentleman. He had a personality that would light up a room! His big smile and firm handshake told you right away that this man loved life, loved his family and friends, loved his job, loved athletics and loved God! Harold’s life was one of service to colleagues, his students, and to his church. To me personally he was a mentor, an encourager, a dedicated colleague, and most of all a true friend in every sense of the word. What an example he was to young people through his teaching and through his involvement in athletics.
He will be missed but the positive memories we shared with Harold will live on! May God be with his family in their loss. Thank you, Harold! Loved you, my friend!
I can't begin to share all of the memories I have of Harold. My mom saying that my dad and Harold were the last to men she knew that still had 'flat-top' hair cuts -- Harold chaperoning our mission trip to Puerto Rico one summer -- Harold leading a group singing for our wedding. I could go on for days. He'll be missing by so many. Our thought and prayers are with everyone who loved him. Charles and Mitzie Cannon
Harold refereed many of my junior & senior high games and meets. Later I refereed a few games with him. He was a lifelong friend an on of the “good guysâ€. I’ll miss seeing him around.
Harold touched my life through the Arkansas Vocational Association. We met and learned we were Church of Christ. Before long we made trips to Cincinnati, St Louis, and LOs Angeles. He always made arrangements so we could go to Church. Had a family moving to Searcy and a call to Harold a committee met them. Since emails and Facebook. I plan to meet him again.
I met Harold the fall of 1960.
I was a freshman at Harding and he was a senior. We had a PE class together: Mat and Trampoline Tumbling. He befriended a nerdy freshman. I was in awe of a talented senior. Over the years we remained friends. Any time our paths crossed he greeted me with a hearty "Sam-u-ell!" I always countered with "HOWARD!" I don't know how that started, but he would often end a message with "Howard." I have messages on Facebook with him going back over 5 years that I will keep forever. A true brother in Christ. My love to the family. We will sing together again, Howard! Sam-u-ell
Served with Harold on the AVA Region Board. A true friend and a Christian off many years. His calls were very supportive over the years.
I counted Harold as a good friend who was always a joy to visit with. How glad I am that on my trip back to Searcy earlier this year we ran into each other and were able to catch up on news of our families. Sherry and I send sincere sympathy to Delores and their sons and daughters-in-law, especially Scotty and Jill. whom we know best.
I graduated with Scott and knew Mr Valentine from school, though I never had him for a teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I loved this man dearly. I have so many great memories of him. Randy and I were talking about some great memories we shared of Harold& Deloris the other night just to many to count. So thankful our paths crossed here.
Harold was my dorm parent when I was a Freshmen in the Fall of 1981. He was a bigger than life personality and I respected him tremendously. I have recently moved back to Searcy and had the opportunity to renew my friendship with him and Delores. He was a member of the Bible class I attend and he was incredibly welcoming to me and my wife as we moved to a new community. He had a tremendous love for the Lord and the Lord’s people. He was one of those people in your life that you looked at and wanted to be more like him. May God bless his family at this time. Harold Valentine, you have finished your race. Well done sir!
We are so sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He always had a smile on his face and was a wonderful Christian man. We loved for him to lead singing at church. He always did an outstanding job. He thought the world of his family. He will be greatly missed.
Harold was our good friend from the early days when our kid were playing little league baseball. He was also a very gifted song leader at church. We loved him and will never forget him.
Coach Valentine was one of my football coaches at Harding Academy in Memphis back in the late 60's. He was one of those individuals who was gifted in what he pursued! His encouraging way in coaching and teaching was strong and filed with Godly wisdom! He was one of those who impacted me to this day, he was loved and will be missed!
Many memories of Harold and his parents from Jackson, MS - very good man - very good family!
Stan, some say a son is the reflection of the father that reared him. If this is true, your Father is one of the best people on this planet. He's been called back to his Father in Paradise.
My continued thoughts, prayers, and condolences for you and yours.
Our sympathy to you the family of this precious man who is now in the arms of the Lord. Harold will always be an example of that marvelous heart of Jesus lived and shown by his kindness and genuine faith. God bless you.
My favorite high school teacher! Blessed to have attended church with him and his family for many years. Great man of God
Worked with Harold on a campaign in Newport, Rhode Island with Brother Andy Ritchie. I cut his hair, not very well. When he saw it in a mirror he chased me with a razor. Loved him and love his family. He died in Christ and is in a better place. Please fill the void and sadness of his Graduation to Glory with so many memories of all the good years He was with you had with him. The last time i saw was at College Church. He led the singing. He was a great blessing to all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of meeting Harold through the Searcy baseball program. He was an outstanding National Director representing Arkansas Dixie Youth Baseball and I was honored to serve with him. He was a strong believer in our youth and wanting to help mold them to become citizens we’d all be proud of. It was my honor to call him a friend.
So blessed to have know this great gentleman.
A privilege to meet and have fellowship with Harold and Dolores when I visited Dwight and Carolyn 12 years ago Blessings and peace to all the family :
UNTIL WE MEET :NEVER TO BE SEPARATED!
What a great ambassador for education and track & field and cross country! The world of track & field will certainly miss Harold. He was also a great friend. I know the family was proud of him and will miss him. Prayers for peace for the Valentine family.ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ™
I went to Harding Academy with Harold , in the 50s. It was a delight to reconnect with him on Facebook after so many years. He was a great guy.
One of my dad’s closest friends and also one of mine (Sandra).
He helped me get through 32 years of keeping the men’s basketball scorebook for Harding University’men’s team. Thank you, Harold, for always keeping it real!
Love to your wonderful family.
I sure miss my sweet friend. Many prayers for Mrs. Dolores and the family.
Harold was a true blessing, He was a friend and a customer.
Harold was not only a friend but above all he was a Christian. His example by the way he lived was one that brought many to live like he did, following Christ. He will be missed by dear family, friends, and those that knew of him. Prayers for all the family.
My deepest sympathy to Dolores and the family. Harold was my college roommate and we stayed in touch all these years. In fact, we had lunch together just a week before his passing. Harold was passionate and sincere. May he rest in everlasting light and peace.
So much love and respect for this man. Still remember the first time we were in a church service at Downtown Church of Christ probably in 1975 and he was leading singing. We sure are going to miss him. Love to Dolores and the rest of the family!
This is such a beautiful tribute to a remarkable man. He truly was a friend to all. I had the privilege of being g a "classmate" at Harding one summer...many, many years ago. It was a science class with Bill Rushton and Harold was always so much fun in class and on those field trips!!
Harold and Bill together...oh my!!
Many thoughts and prayers for the family. He will be missed.
Oh no! Mr. V was our dorm mgr my freshman yr in Armstrong. He had tremendous patience with us "knucklehead freshman fball players". He was always fair & reasonable (& to be honest- gave us all the "benefit of the doubt" when we did questionable antics: missing curfew, water balloon fights, etc...).
It seemed like he didn't "see us as we were" (thank goodness), but "saw our potential".
I remember NEVER wanting to "disappoint Mr. V".
In recent years, he often would reach out to me on Facebook & always had a sincere interest in how my life was going. He always encouraged me to come see him at Homecoming. I could always feel his genuine warmth, interest & genuine goodness. Keeping Mr V & all his loved ones in my thoughts & prayers. RIP MR. VALENTINE💜
The man with the voice no one could mistake for anyone else. My family has known this family for many years. I even had the privilege of teaching a grandchild (Easton). I know Harold will be greatly missed. LORD please embrace this family and give them a sense of peace that only comes from you.AMEN
Mr. Valentine was a bright light in our world, and always had a good word for his students, athletes, colleagues and friends.
I had the pleasure of being one of his GCECA students and going to the annual conference in Hot Springs with him. He had prepared us all to compete and many of us won awards and scholarships there.
My condolences and prayers go out to his family.
Stan, I loved reading about your dad. I knew he must have been amazing because of how you are. The Apple…the tree. May your hearts be comforted with the legacy he left and the precious memories he made possible. Prayers for your family through this great loss.
As a teenager he refereed some of our basketball games. As a young librarian at SWMS many years ago, occasionally Harold Valentine would visit our campus. What a joy it was to see him. He was always uplifted my spirits. I ran into him at Colton’s last fall and once again it was a pleasure to see him. He was so proud of his family. This world has lost a bright light, but Heaven has gained one. Much in prayer for you all.
Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear of Coach's passing; you have my sincerest condolences and sympathies. He will definitely be missed!