H.h. And Genelle "Zeugie" Zeugner

H.H. 'Zeugie' and Genelle Zeugner

Skyland - Harold Howard "Had" "Zeugie" Zeugner and Genelle Peterson Zeugner of Skyland, both 94, passed away in Cary NC on July 25 and August 11, respectively. Zeugie was a tireless volunteer, advocate, and civic and community leader in Asheville and Buncombe County, and Genelle was his loving wife of 71 years.

Born in Saranac Lake NY, Zeugie came to Asheville in 1936. After graduating from Lee Edwards High in 1940 and attending Mars Hill College, he enlisted in the armed forces, flying P-40 and P-51 fighters in China with the 23rd Fighter Group, the "Flying Tigers."

As a young man he worked as a silversmith in his father's business, "The Bracelet Shop" in Skyland. After returning from service he sold sports equipment to schools throughout the area for the All Sports Store and Sports Mart, forming relationships with virtually every coach, athletics director, and principal in WNC. In the '60s he entered the insurance business with Prudential and as Vice President of Wright-Dobbins Insurance. In 1978 he was named Buncombe County Schools' Community Schools Coordinator to develop programs for community use of public school facilities - a concept he was instrumental in conceiving, now commonplace across NC.

Genelle was born in Leaksville NC and spent her youth in Swannanoa. She was a stay-at-home mother, other than the mid-'60s when she managed the clothing store of nationally renowned designer Elizabeth Phelps. She loved the beach, nature, cooking, sewing, caring for her family, and joining and supporting Zeugie in his many activities.

The couple split their retirement years between Asheville and Oak Island NC and moved to Cary in 2011.

Zeugie was known for his lifetime of volunteer activities and positions. In 1947 he led the formation of Buncombe County's first basketball league. In 1953 he was a key player in bringing Little League Baseball to Asheville, then coached the first two championship teams. He led in arranging an annual Thanksgiving high school football all-star game at Memorial Stadium, the annual Blue-White basketball game, and the SE Regional Babe Ruth Baseball tournament at McCormick Field. He was a guiding force in establishing, and was President of, the Land of the Sky Touchdown Club which brought nationally renowned sports figures and the ACC basketball awards banquet to Asheville in the early 1960s.

In 1968 he was named chairman of the Buncombe Planning Council's recreation division, and in 1969 vice-chairman of the County Recreation Commission. His work led to establishment of the Buncombe Co. Parks and Recreation Department, for which he then spent 14 years serving on or chairing the Advisory Council.

He was member or leader of the Rhododendron Civitan Club, Valley Springs Lions Club, Citizens' Committee for Better Schools, Asheville-Buncombe Youth Council's adult advisory board, many other civic committees, and President of Methodist Men at Skyland Methodist Church.

In 1985 he and the Women's Involvement Council persuaded the Board of Education to implement an After School Program at every elementary school in the county. The program became the largest in NC.

Zeugie was a staunch advocate for public schools, particularly in his home T.C. Roberson district. He served on the Valley Springs Elem. advisory committee to the School Board; was instrumental in establishing TCR's Graduates of Distinction program; convinced community leaders to locate the Skyland Library adjacent to the schools; was active in the TCR Rams Club; and frequently addressed the School Board and County Commissioners on behalf of the district's citizens.

For over 25 years he was the public address voice of TCR sports, Asheville High football, Western Carolina U. football, and the Asheville Civic Center. He conceived and served on the organizing committee for "Roy Williams Day in WNC" in May 2008.

Zeugie was awarded a Special Citation by the N.C. Recreation and Parks Assoc. and received the National Recreation and Parks Assoc.'s highest award for non-professionals. He received the NC Assoc. for Community Education's Lifetime Membership Award and the Mountain Amateur Athletic Club's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005 the Skyland Recreation Center was renamed the "Harold H. 'Zeugie' Zeugner Recreation Center." Gov. James Hunt presented him the Governor's Award "for distinguished meritorious service to the People and the State of North Carolina."

Surviving are brothers Charles Zeugner of Somerville NJ and Jack Peterson of Green Valley AZ, son Michael Zeugner of Sebastian FL, daughter Jennye Johnson of Charlottesville VA, son Jody Zeugner of Cary, and four grandchildren.

A Celebration of Zeugie and Genelle's lives will be held 3:00 Sat. Sept. 16 in the Roberson High auditorium, 250 Overlook Rd. Please post remembrances at www.wakefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Eblen Charities, SECU Hospice House of Smithfield NC, or Alzheimers Foundation of America.