Neal Franklin Haworth

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Neal Haworth Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Neal Franklin Haworth
Start: 2023-01-12T11:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-12T12:00:00.000Z
Location: White Memorial Presbyterian Church

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 10 to Jan. 12, 2023.

Neal Franklin Haworth, age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 8, 2022. Born in Knoxville, TN, on December 14, 1939, he was the son of the late Alvin Guy and Kate Mae Haworth. The middle of three sons, he often used the "middle son lament" to work to his advantage. With a mother for a teacher and a passion for music, many adventures comprise the entertaining stories from Neal regarding his childhood. Neal graduated from Carson Newman College with a degree in Music, going on to study and receive his Master's Degree from North Texas State University.

While at Carson Newman (occasionally spelled CASON Newman on discount ballcaps purchased at the flea market), he met the love of his life Margaret. They dated throughout college and were married in December 1964. Neal and Margaret welcomed their first daughter, Tracy, in the summer of 1967 and their second daughter, Anne-Margaret, in December 1970.

Neal started his "first" career as a high school band and choral director in Oneida, Tennessee. Next he moved to Winston-Salem, where he also taught band and chorus at North Forsyth. Three years later, he moved the family to Lynchburg, Virginia and taught high school band at E.C. Glass. Neal was passionate about making great music which showed in the different groups that he taught. Anne-Margaret, in an application essay for graduate school, wrote the following about her Dad....

"He was a master of his craft; a perfectionist in his trade......

He was a leader; quiet, direct, enthusiastic, creative, and most of all humble. He never yelled. He didn't have to. His demeanor insisted on the very best from everyone, and his students couldn't wait to perform.

He was 'that teacher' for so many students. The one they couldn't wait to come back and visit, the one they couldn't wait to share their successes in life with".

When Neal decided it was time for a career change, he landed on a new "Home" with Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Starting a little later in life on that path, he made a very successful career lasting 30 years. At his most recent summer regional business meeting, he was seen dancing - in true Neal fashion- to Rocky Top, up to accept awards for his performance and to celebrate his tenure. He enjoyed serving his clients immensely and just couldn't find a time when he was "ready" to step out into retirement. Finally deciding to retire, he was quoted as planning to "love on his wife and make trouble".

In each of his careers, he had found the perfect fit for who he was, getting to work with people, educate, and fellowship.

Parallel to his careers, a big part of Neal's life was also his faith and church. All through his life he faithfully attended church. Neal was willing to serve, and throughout the years served as teacher, youth group leader, choir director, deacon and active member. Since moving to North Carolina, Neal has been a member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

Then there were SPORTS! Anyone that spoke with Neal for more than just a couple of minutes knew how much he LOVED Tennessee sports - especially University of Tennessee football! Whenever they might be playing, plan to find Neal in front of a TV, cheering loudly and actively blocking/kicking/running/dribbling to help the team. His blood truly "ran UT orange"!

As much as Neal loved music, teaching, advising, storytelling, sports, and traveling, his favorite of all was his wife and family. Neal and Margaret just celebrated their 58th anniversary, enjoying years of loving and living a life of many adventures. Surviving Neal is his wife Margaret, daughters Tracy Harrison (James) and Anne-Margaret Evers (David); grandchildren David Evers Jr (24), Jackson Evers (21), Addison Evers (12), Austin Harrison (20), Joshua Harrison (18), and Victoria Harrison (12).

Services will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Oberlin Road in Raleigh at 11 am. After the service, there will be receiving time for the family. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery/McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton at 230pm.

In place of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to one of the following "favorites" of Neal:

The Smithfield, NC, Kiwanis- playground chimes

EC Glass High School - Lynchburg, VA-Band

North Forsyth High School - Winston Salem NC-Music Department

The Community Band of Lynchburg, VA

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Recent Activity

January 23, 2023

Brad Freeman posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2023

LTC(R) Blake Adams posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2023

Pam Ashley Springer posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Brad Freeman

January 23, 2023

I was saddened to hear today of the passing of my former teacher, Mr. Neal Haworth. I was fortunate to have had many excellent teachers in my life, but Mr. Haworth was the only one outside of an athletic setting we called "Coach!" He was always more than just a teacher to us. In 1966 Mr. Haworth and I both began our first year at North Forsyth Senior High School in Winston-Salem. Some of my best high school memories are related to the band and what a joy it was to be a member under his leadership. I fondly remember the early Christmas gift he arranged for us at the beginning of my junior year - a shiny new set of silver Premier drums and percussion instruments for the drum line. He routinely "pulled out the stops" to put the best band possible on the field - whether it was the pre-season band camps at Camp Hanes or the outside resources and colleagues he called on to add to the creative playbook. He allowed for a playful space yet demanded excellence and inspired pride in process and product. Each year we performed in many half-times, competitions, parades, and festivals including the annual Dogwood Arts Festival and band competition in Knoxville. He inspired us to constantly improve in our skills to the point that we genuinely considered ourselves one of the best bands in the state. By 1969 our reputation was such that we were invited to perform in the "Best Bands of the South" competition in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans where we placed 5th of 20 bands. That same year we were invited to perform at half-time in the following year´s Sugar Bowl game in Tulane Stadium but owing to funding considerations we had to decline. I graduated in 1969 and my brother replaced me in the drum line for the following year. Unfortunately, Mr. Haworth would only remain at NFHS for one more year after which, as my brother Lindy attested, things were never the same. I lost track of Coach after graduation and missed a few band reunions owing to my being overseas. Nevertheless, I often thought of him and the excellent community that gave balance and inspiration to my own life. I read with interest the details of Coach´s life after departing NFHS. Obviously his was a life well lived. Neal Haworth´s passing is a reminder to periodically reflect and be grateful for the quality human beings we have and have had in our lives. My condolences to family and friends and hope you draw some comfort in having had him in your lives for as long as you did.
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LTC(R) Blake Adams

January 11, 2023

Sorry for your loss. What a super nice and caring man. Only got to know Neal a couple of years with small investment account, but he always had time for me and made me feel like a top investor. I will miss him.

Pam Ashley Springer

January 11, 2023

What a loving tribute about Neal. I have so many positive childhood memories of spending time with you all and sleepovers. Yes, he loved his family and I remember the love shared between his family, friends and students. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of spending time with you all in your home and church. And yes, he was a wonderful man, husband and father. You all are in my thoughts & prayers! Praying for peace during this difficult time. I know the pain & sorrow you are going through during this time. Yes, there is reassurance in knowing we will see our loved ones called home before us. Thinking of you and praying for you during this time.

Nan Trice

January 11, 2023

Bless your hearts! He was always teasing and telling jokes at Family Reunion. We will never forget his great sense of humor. Pur prayers are with you all during this time. We love all of you!