Harry Lock

Master Gunnery Sergeant Harry G. Lock, USMC Retired, died on April 29, 2013, at his home, Liberty Commons Assisted Living, in Jacksonville. Harry was born Nov. 2, 1924, in Quincy, Ill.

He is survived by his nephews, Robert C. Lock and wife, Caroline, of Greensboro, William H. Lock and wife, Dale, of Greensboro; great-nieces and great-nephews, Elizabeth Lock of Minneapolis, Minn., Jennifer Lock of Minneapolis, Minn., Jonathan Barnes and wife, Dara, of Oak Ridge, and their children, Liam and Reese, Christopher Lock of Greensboro; and his sister-in-law, Carole M. Lock, of Jacksonville. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur John Lock and Stella Lock of Quincy, Ill.; and his brother, Robert E. Lock of Jacksonville.

His true love, Helen Nagay, passed away in 1997. Their friendship began in 1951, at the United States Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Harry served as a Marine Corps Embassy Security Guard and Helen worked for the State Department. Through careers that spanned the globe, their lifelong relationship continued until her death.

Harry's military service with the Marines began in 1943, and ended with his retirement in 1978. He retired from active duty in 1975. In between he served in World War II; in the Marine Security Guard Battalion at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, 1951-1953; in the Korean and Vietnam Wars; as NCOIC/Head of Security at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 1971-1973; and in various posts at Quantico, Va., and throughout the U.S.

Harry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for meritorious achievement while serving as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Marine Security Guard detachment, U.S. Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from March, 1971 to March, 1973. His other service awards included: The National Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Navy Commendation Achievement Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam MUC Armed Forces Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Commendation with Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam MUC Civil Action Colors, Pistol Marksman Badge, and Rifle Expert Badge.

Harry had a curious mind and a caring and compassionate heart. He loved serving his country, and never met a stranger. No matter the extent of his battle wound, or the nature of his illness, his standard reply was, "Can't complain."

Harry was a member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, for almost 40 years. Since 2009, he has been a resident of Liberty Commons in Jacksonville, where he was very happy and was lovingly cared for by many staff members too numerous to mention. A good Marine, he frequently commented on the quality of their food and his proximity to the "mess hall."

Harry has gone to see the love of his life Helen and his dear brother Bob, and he will be greatly missed by those of us who remain.

The family thanks Dr. Narender Arcot, Karin Kinnarney, Nicole Godwin, the staff of Liberty Commons, the staff of Onslow Memorial Hospital, the staff of Continuum Hospice, and Jones Funeral Home, especially for their compassion and support in recent days.

A brief visitation and memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Liberty Commons, Henderson Drive, Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Boys and Girls Home of N.C., P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or The Salvation Army of Onslow County, 535 Bell Fork Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

Electronic condolences may be left for the family at jonesfh.org