Harry Stamps Obituary

Harry Weathersby Stamps

December 19, 1932 -- March 9, 2013

Long Beach

Harry Weathersby Stamps, ladies' man, foodie, natty dresser, and accomplished traveler, died on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

Harry was locally sourcing his food years before chefs in California starting using cilantro and arugula (both of which he hated). For his signature bacon and tomato sandwich, he procured 100% all white Bunny Bread from Georgia, Blue Plate mayonnaise from New Orleans, Sauer's black pepper from Virginia, home grown tomatoes from outside Oxford, and Tennessee's Benton bacon from his bacon-of-the-month subscription. As a point of pride, he purported to remember every meal he had eaten in his 80 years of life.

The women in his life were numerous. He particularly fancied smart women. He loved his mom Wilma Hartzog (deceased), who with the help of her sisters and cousins in New Hebron reared Harry after his father Walter's death when Harry was 12. He worshipped his older sister Lynn Stamps Garner (deceased), a character in her own right, and her daughter Lynda Lightsey of Hattiesburg. He married his main squeeze Ann Moore, a home economics teacher, almost 50 years ago, with whom they had two girls Amanda Lewis of Dallas, and Alison of Starkville. He taught them to fish, to select a quality hammer, to love nature, and to just be thankful. He took great pride in stocking their tool boxes. One of his regrets was not seeing his girl, Hillary Clinton, elected President.

He had a life-long love affair with deviled eggs, Lane cakes, boiled peanuts, Vienna [Vi-e-na] sausages on saltines, his homemade canned fig preserves, pork chops, turnip greens, and buttermilk served in martini glasses garnished with cornbread.

He excelled at growing camellias, rebuilding houses after hurricanes, rocking, eradicating mole crickets from his front yard, composting pine needles, living within his means, outsmarting squirrels, never losing a game of competitive sickness, and reading any history book he could get his hands on. He loved to use his oversized "old man" remote control, which thankfully survived Hurricane Katrina, to flip between watching The Barefoot Contessa and anything on The History Channel. He took extreme pride in his two grandchildren Harper Lewis (8) and William Stamps Lewis (6) of Dallas for whom he would crow like a rooster on their phone calls. As a former government and sociology professor for Gulf Coast Community College, Harry was thoroughly interested in politics and religion and enjoyed watching politicians act like preachers and preachers act like politicians. He was fond of saying a phrase he coined "I am not running for political office or trying to get married" when he was "speaking the truth." He also took pride in his service during the Korean conflict, serving the rank of corporal--just like Napolean, as he would say.

Harry took fashion cues from no one. His signature every day look was all his: a plain pocketed T-shirt designed by the fashion house Fruit of the Loom, his black-label elastic waist shorts worn above the navel and sold exclusively at the Sam's on Highway 49, and a pair of old school Wallabees (who can even remember where he got those?) that were always paired with a grass-stained MSU baseball cap.

Harry traveled extensively. He only stayed in the finest quality AAA-rated campgrounds, his favorite being Indian Creek outside Cherokee, North Carolina. He always spent the extra money to upgrade to a creek view for his tent. Many years later he purchased a used pop-up camper for his family to travel in style, which spoiled his daughters for life.

He despised phonies, his 1969 Volvo (which he also loved), know-it-all Yankees, Southerners who used the words "veranda" and "porte cochere" to put on airs, eating grape leaves, Law and Order (all franchises), cats, and Martha Stewart. In reverse order. He particularly hated Day Light Saving Time, which he referred to as The Devil's Time. It is not lost on his family that he died the very day that he would have had to spring his clock forward. This can only be viewed as his final protest.

Because of his irrational fear that his family would throw him a golf-themed funeral despite his hatred for the sport, his family will hold a private, family only service free of any type of "theme." Visitation will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Jeff Davis Campus) for their library. Harry retired as Dean there and was very proud of his friends and the faculty. He taught thousands and thousands of Mississippians during his life. The family would also like to thank the Gulfport Railroad Center dialysis staff who took great care of him and his caretaker Jameka Stribling.

Finally, the family asks that in honor of Harry that you write your Congressman and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time. Harry wanted everyone to get back on the Lord's Time.

View & sign register book @ www.bradfordokeefe.com

Published by The Sun Herald from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2013.
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Gone but never forgotten
RIP Harry

Sara Jackson

Other

March 4, 2024

a

africa

School

February 13, 2024

sad

africa

School

February 12, 2024

There are so many things that make me feel more connected to Harry! For example, him being a foodie really reminded me of my passion for food, eggs, and trying new and unique dishes in general. Harry took great pride in the food he ate and was ahead of his time in sourcing local food. To add he had a life-long love affair with deviled eggs...

He also took great passion in traveling. As i'm making my way into the olympics in Judo, the competitions and trainings allow me to travel a lot throughout the world, and scope out new places environments and cultures, which i'm really grateful for. Harry here, traveled extensively and stayed in the finest quality AAA-rated campgrounds, always upgrading to a creek view for his tent.

Noran Elmahroukey

School

February 8, 2023

I feel obliged to comment again, as I often quote our dear departed scholar, teacher, and friend. When thinking about or discussing current events, I always quote Harry, who said in 1977, "Half the people who have ever walked the face of the earth are alive and walking it today". Just imagine what that percentage is today! The same year he said, " If you see older people (in their 80's) who seem confused as to what is going on around them, it's because we have accumulated and discarded more culture since the beginning of the century than we did in the previous 4,000 years." By "culture" I assume Harry meant, among other things, cultural/societal norms. During my stint at CU Boulder I heard respected scholars allude to, or state much the same. This is key to understanding the world and it's conflicts today, as we have more people than ever before, and we are moving ever so fast. God Bless you Harry, for your lasting wisdom!

Paul Schroder

School

March 4, 2022

Such a sweet and wonderful portrayal of someone you know and love. I can´t wait to meet Harry someday in heaven. In the meantime, maybe we should bombard all the Senators and Congressmen with this moving article.

Ellen Davis Burnham

July 12, 2021

This is one of my favorite all time pieces of writing. I return to it often to put a smile on my face. Thank you Harry and whoever wrote this.

Todd Ransom

January 18, 2021

There are lots of phrases in Harry's obit that are memorable. Among my favorites:

He excelled at growing camellias, rebuilding houses after hurricanes, rocking, eradicating mole crickets from his front yard, composting pine needles, living within his means, outsmarting squirrels, never losing a game of competitive sickness, and reading any history book he could get his hands on.

and:

He despised phonies, his 1969 Volvo (which he also loved), know-it-all Yankees, Southerners who used the words "veranda" and "porte cochere" to put on airs, eating grape leaves, Law and Order (all franchises), cats, and Martha Stewart. In reverse order. He particularly hated Day Light Saving Time, which he referred to as The Devil's Time. It is not lost on his family that he died the very day that he would have had to spring his clock forward. This can only be viewed as his final protest.

If they gave Pulitzers for obits, this Harry's would be a slam-dunk.

Don

March 29, 2019

Fondly recall this obit and as I approach spring forward lament losing an hour of sleep to DST. Hope the heavenly realm is a journey full of peace and goodness, Harry.

Cathy Benson

March 7, 2019

Every year when we are faced with "Springing Forward" I think of you, Harry. I never knew you in this life but will certainly look you up when I cross over the bridge!

Margaret Perritt

March 5, 2019

Love following this legacy. Brings a smile to my face every time I get an alert that someone else has posted a message in honor of Harry. Never forgotten. xoxo

Leslie Calderoni

March 4, 2019

Six years after, I find myself still mesmerized by the spirit of the obituary, and - by extension - of a man I never knew.

Rick Brown

March 4, 2019

Another fall, another reminder of the daylight savings nonsense and of Harry Stamps's good sense. One day wisdom will prevail...

October 19, 2018

Harry Stamps was one of my favorite teachers at Jeff Davis. I can still hear him say "We live in a highly mobile society", when referring to Americans migrating from place to place. I had him for Sociology in the mid 70's. What a guy. We all loved him. Rest in peace, Harry, you will never be fogotten

Paul Schroder

October 18, 2018

Brilliant! I wish he had been my uncle! Who says everday ordinary people aren't also interesting? This proves it.
May he live on forever and ever in your hearts and memories. Thanks for sharing him with us

Diane Demurak

March 27, 2018

With great respect and condolences to the family!

Tiffany Perger

March 13, 2018

Harry, my dear friend. I am sorry that you had to leave this earth but I am sure that we will get rid of the horrible day light savings time. I remember when I first met you twelve years ago. Ah, I miss those times.

Hylo Wolf

February 28, 2018

Such a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to someone who was obviously loved as much as he loved life. <3

March 19, 2017

Harry, I am just checking in. The damned Day Light Savings Time is coming up again but I have no hope that this Trump Bunch will do anything to get rid of it. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Margaret Perritt

March 8, 2017

Don Lineback

March 7, 2017

I was one of the few, of the thousands of students, who had the good fortune to take Mr. Stamps history course in the 1970s at MGCCC. It was one of the most memorable college courses I have ever taken. Who can forget the thunderious portrayal of characters in history in the booming voice of Mr. Stamps standing on a table mounted with his armor plated lectern. I'll never forget the speech he gave on the day he forgot about being on the table, and stepped back from his lecture.

The noise was so loud, teachers from two other classes rushed in, assuming that Mr. Stamps either had been assaulted by a student who disagreed with him, or somebody had planted a bomb.

With a horrified look on her face, I clearly remember a teacher asking Mr. Stamps if he wanted her to call an ambulance.

In his clear and determined voice, I heard him say, "Never! History has no time to wait, history marches on".

With that, he continued his rousing rendition of his history lesson. As we were helping him up from the floor, I noticed he didn't ask for his lectern to be placed back on the table. Throughout the entire rest of the course, the lectern never made it back to the table again.

However, we students were so appreciative of the lessons he taught, we all chipped in at the end of the course, and bought him another table. Just to be sure, we had the carpentry shop reduce the height of the table from 3 feet down to 6 inches.

Since Mr. Stamps was well known to totally use the assets he was given to teach his love of history, it was no surprise to see his lectern returned to its rightful place in the middle of the table at the start of the next semester. Only this time, the table was 6 inches high.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Stamps, you've earned your place in history!

February 3, 2017

So glad I happened across this obit. Clearly Mr Stamps was was natty dressed Bon Vivant. Rest in Peace Dear Sir.

Billy Bob Grohl

January 27, 2017

The Cayman Islands don't have daylight savings time. I think they listened to Harry.

December 1, 2016

what an amazing person he must have been! Such a beautiful story told in this obit, kudos to whomever wrote it! thank you for the smile!

Dawn

November 30, 2016

I'm sorry Harry. I always feel like we've let you down when the clocks change. I promise that we're still working on it. I know you will be smiling when we finally get it done!

Joyce G.

November 8, 2016

I have been wrestling with getting all the clocks to match up and thinking of you, Harry. The only one that was easy is the one on my new Volvo--Think of that!

Margaret Perritt

November 7, 2016

I still think of you and my DAD who passed on the same day.
Two men how hated DLST. Rest in peace.

August 5, 2016

This seemed to be a truly great man that I never met, but find myself thinking about regularly. This obit and the story of this man's life inspire me. Rest in peace good sir.

John Siegfried

August 4, 2016

Harry, Working in the daylight savings time!

D Pomerleau

July 5, 2016

This is someone you always wish you could have met in life. Cheers to a hardy life. I sure hope that his friends and family knew what they had with this gem in their lives!

Lindsay Penticuff

June 7, 2016

What a good laugh I've had this morning. A man that stood on his principles.

May 5, 2016

lots of love. -Ashley

January 29, 2016

Hi Harry. Thinking about you. Still working on the time change thing :)

November 13, 2015

It's wonderful to see that many continue to celebrate the life of Harry Stamps. Musta been a pretty awesome fella.

Bj Jones

November 12, 2015

Yesterday I thought of my Dad and Mr. Stamps who passed away on the same day 2 years ago. My Dad also couldn't stand DST.

March 10, 2015

I've been thinking of you these last few days. We will keep trying. I know that you will be cheering for us when we finally get it done :)

Joyce Griffiths

March 9, 2015

My last thought Saturday night was of Harry Stamps. Knowing his feelings has made the "scourge of the clocks" easier for me to bear. Harry Stamps lives on!

Jo Ann Duplechin

March 9, 2015

Harry, wherever you are, know that your spirit lives on. I dislike DST as much as you did. On the first day of DST in the USA, I'm where the time never changes -- Grand Cayman. Wish I could stay here! And the weather ain't bad either.

Don Lineback

March 8, 2015

A well-regarded international news organization introduced Mr Stamps to me and other interested wanderers. Thank you for sharing your friend and beloved family member and now inspiring an even larger community.

McCain-in-4

February 18, 2015

What a sensational, loving, smart, funny and endearing obituary..Harry Stamps will always be remembered by those who never had the luck to meet him in this life

JR Badgley

December 12, 2014

May God bless your family!

Tina Czwalina

November 30, 2014

Obviously a brilliant, charming fellow.

July 13, 2014

I didn't know this guy but he sounds like he lived a full life. There is little doubt it was exciting unlike so many who are here just marking time!

Bob Ross

July 9, 2014

I always groan when I have to change my clocks for daylight savings time. Now, each year, I'll remember Harry and smile.

Barbara Wood

May 1, 2014

I come back to this obit each year around daylight savings time and it puts a smile on my face each time. I would have enjoyed meeting Mr Stamps. He has touched my life and countless others. Rest in peace good sir.

Bryan Chandler

March 20, 2014

We are working on the Daylight Saving Time thing Harry! I will think of you every time we have to mess with the clocks and vow to be tireless in my efforts to get rid of The Devil's Time :)

Joyce Griffiths

March 18, 2014

So I still haven't heard back from my state rep about changing this law, but I'm holding fast and have yet to change my clock. I think Its starting to irritate my wife and boss, but I dont care. Its a principle thing.

Keith Gallagher

March 17, 2014

RIP Mr. Stamps.

Shirlee Arkwright

March 16, 2014

Remembering Harry along with my dad, Ben

Kathie Pratt

March 16, 2014

My Dad passed on the same day as Mr. Stamps. I thought of him and my Dad over the weekend and at the moment our clocks had to change.

March 10, 2014

I thought about him, too, as we changed our clocks. He was my sociology prof at JD and I will always remember his wit and wisdom.

Darlene Turan

March 10, 2014

I thought of this wonderful man whom I never knew, today, as I was forced to reset my clocks to "the devil's time". Rest in peace Mr. Stamps

March 9, 2014

Harry was my brother-in-law and I want to thank all the people who have visited this site and made the wonderful comments about Harry. He was not perfect, none of us are, but he was a great guy and most importantly he loved his family more than anything in this world. I will always treasure the fact that he was my brother I never had.

Joel Moore

January 28, 2014

I am checking in today to wish a very Happy New Year to Harry's family. I read this obituary from time-to-time just to remind myself that there are good people with a sense of family and humor among us and that life is to be lived to the fullest so that our children will remember us fondly. Thanks.

Margaret Perritt

December 31, 2013

I believe Harry would have been very proud of his daughter. You captured him beautifully, this is the way it should be. Harry sounds like a fine southern gentleman rest in peace dear Harry.

T G

November 13, 2013

A B

October 31, 2013

Sorry for the loss of your father. I never met Harry, but he seemed to have been quite the man. Almost the spitten image of my grandfather. Harry is looking down on you with a BIG smile. He would have been very proud of you. Thanks for sharing this amazing eulogy. God Bless.

Shannon Albarez

October 3, 2013

Mr. Stamps taught me sociology and history at Jeff Davis Junior College (and also taught my husband). He was my favorite teacher. His class was always interesting and I loved his stories. This was back in 1970. RIP

September 20, 2013

Wonderful memorial!

Judy ODwyer

September 17, 2013

Hope everything is going well Mr. Stamps. Just thought I would come back to say hello. Hello. :)

Regina Caragiulo

September 16, 2013

Not only do I regret not knowing Harry Stamps, but I would dearly love to meet the person who wrote the obit. Harry apparently loved characters, and, either married one, or raised one. Thank you!!

Deborah Price

September 15, 2013

Sharon lippincott

September 12, 2013

Thank you for sharing your Father with us.

Pamela Poole-Moss

August 16, 2013

A funeral director friend shared this wonderful tribute to a full and happy life with me. I wish I had known Mr. Stamps as a friend. We would have enjoyed a lot of commons interests. May The Lord continue to give you peace.

Jeff Joines

August 7, 2013

I'm with you Harry on the day lights saving time, needs to stop! Lol!

Gicela Aguirre

July 26, 2013

My Daddy passes away yesterday and my Mama asked me to write hos obit. Thank you for your loving tribute it helped me flavor my Father's. Robert Lee Jackson Jr late of Decatur GA

Cheryl Lee Jackson

July 22, 2013

I came across this obituary while surfing the internet. This is a beautiful and comical obituary. He seemed to be a charming man. Rest in peace.

Millin Jefferson

July 14, 2013

Never met Harry, but what an absolute delight to hear of this awesome character. My condolences for your loss, but also my congratulations for having him in your life!

Dianna Hotovec

July 12, 2013

I found this obituary on the internet by fluke. LOVE the man your dad was. Great rendition of his happy life. May he rest in peace and may your memories carry you through. My condolences. RIP Harry

Sherrie

July 9, 2013

I stumbled across a link to Harry's obituary elsewhere online and had to say that he sounds like an amazing, spunky character that loved his family. I hope the happy memories have helped you get through his loss.

July 9, 2013

May we all live such a blessed life. Harry sounds like a wonderful man, humorous and loving. I'm sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Christina Gordon

July 6, 2013

BEST EVER obituary! I ran across this quite by accident but was so pleased he was from Gulfport! I have family there and can totally relate! Rest in peace Harry! PS..I'm betting there's no daylight savings in heaven!

Joni Hanson goodnight

July 6, 2013

I had never met Harry but it sounds like he was an amazing fellow. I am sorry for your loss.

Brad Osborne

July 2, 2013

He had a full life

Lanka Perera

June 24, 2013

Harry sounds like a wonderful man. God bless you all. You have honored him by telling the world about his life.

Symantha Hawk

June 21, 2013

God Bless a man like Harry....

June 21, 2013

This is the best obituary I have ever read. Your Father would be proud of the honesty in the writing, it sounds like the man was a real man! RIP Harry Stamps and KUDDOS for all your accomplishments. I hope daylight saving time ends, just to honor you.

Connie Sylvia

June 13, 2013

I felt a pang of regret that Harry and I never met. We would have been good friends. Sorry for your loss.

Linda Timmons

June 13, 2013

That is the best eulogy I have ever read. I hope someone can say something as lovely as that about me when I go.

Rob Williams

June 10, 2013

Sorry, about the loss of your father. My Dad passed away six years ago. I love how your fathers obituary, his final tribute, is so unique as to who he was as a person. Sharon, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Sharon L.

June 10, 2013

What a wonderfully written obituary about a quirky and interesting man. As I'm 75 I think I'll try to write something similar for myself!

Frank Birchall

June 10, 2013

What a great way to celebrate someones life. I never met Harry, but through your words, I love him and he made me smile.

Tracie Walker

June 8, 2013

to have such a father has blessed your life and your family.
well said girl. well said.

sara jackson

June 7, 2013

What a wonderful obit for a wonderful character.

Jennifer K

June 6, 2013

Harry shows us all how to live as an individual. As we say in Australia 'Good on yer Harry ' loved hearing about how you did it your way.

Chris Zinn

June 6, 2013

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. I came across the wonderful journey of (dare I say it) the dash between the years of Harry's life and I was captivated by your devotion. Both to share what must have been heartbreaking and at the same time cathartic. I admire you both and I hope to write something worthy of my father when the time comes.

Laura C.

June 4, 2013

Thank you for sharing your dad with us. I was prompted to immediately write my congressional reps and request an end to Daylight Savings!

Julie

June 2, 2013

Sorry for your loss! I enjoyed reading about your father. He reminds me a lot of my grandfathers and father. My dad bought a pop-up camper too, and I never had to sleep on the ground again. Thank you for sharing Harry with us.

Becky

May 31, 2013

Sorry you lost your dad, but an inspirational life told in a great obit.

Ian F

May 30, 2013

If only everyone could be remembered in such great light. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man. You were lucky to have shared those times, and to send him off on an honest and fun note. All my best wishes, and for more men like your father to grace this planet.

Nina Squires

May 30, 2013

Henry realized what is key. Get a good hammer the rest is a
Piece of cake. Always the best.

Joshua Popoff

May 29, 2013

Thanks for sharing such wonderful memories of your Dad.

Sandra Radford

May 27, 2013

My condolences to you and your family. Your father sounds like a man that anyone would be proud to be acquainted with. God bless.

Carah

May 24, 2013

I did not know Harry, but after reading his obituary, he sounded like a character I would've like to meet!

Star Rawlings

May 19, 2013

what a wonderful, full, happy life. thank you for sharing it with us. Harry was a lucky man!

Sarah Roberts

May 14, 2013

What a fabulous obituary! My dad's name was Harry and he also was an original who unfortunately had a run of the mill obituary back in 1971.

My sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful father. (I believe Daylight Savings Time is a Gubernment plot to keep us slightly off-balance!) :-P

May you all be blessed....

L A Toner

May 12, 2013

Deepest sympathy for your loss. Your father still lives in you. Wished I had him for a prof. What an amazing person!

Carolyn Fahey

May 11, 2013

From Atlanta I raise my (martini) glass of milk and cornbread to Harry. I can't imagine ever using a regular glass again. How amazing that his life is still teaching people what matters. What a gift it must be must be to have had this authentic man in your lives. My best wishes for peace and comfort in these days....

Debbie

May 8, 2013

Congratulations on having such a full life, Harry. I hate Martha Stewart too.

Judith Hanes

May 6, 2013

What an interesting human-being! I wish I knew more about Harry. I hope the family enjoy the memories.

Marie Handell

May 6, 2013

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