Ham Hargrove, Jr., 81, of Weldon, died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids.

Ham was born October 5, 1926 to Herman Ruell Hargrove, Sr. and Thelma Hargrove. He was a native son of the Town of Weldon. Mr. Hargrove was a graduate of Weldon High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. Ham was a businessman and promoter of the Town of Weldon. He always put others first and never turned anyone away that needed help.

Mr. Hargrove was a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, deacon and friend to all. He loved his family, grandchildren, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and golf. Ham was a member of Weldon Baptist Church, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, former board member of Halifax Regional Medical Center, member of Rural Health Group, Inc., and former member of various boards of the Town of Weldon, Weldon Business Bureau, Weldon Coffee Club, and many other boards.

Ham was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Charlotte Lassiter, and brother-in-law, Marvin Lassiter, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Zelma Mace Hargrove, two sons, Michael D. Hargrove and his wife, Debbie, of Roanoke Rapids and Herman "Lee" Hargrove of Raleigh; two grandsons, Jordan and Spenser Hargrove; a sister, Kay P. Hargrove of Rocky Mount; and two nephews, John E. Lassiter, Sr. and Marvin L. Lassiter, Jr.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Friday, July 18, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Weldon Baptist Church with Dr. Harry Edwards and Minister Randy Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Weldon Baptist Church, 609 Washington Ave., Weldon, NC 27890.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Hargrove’s service to his country.