Harry Lee Land Jr.

Harry Lee Land, Jr., a transformational business leader and steadfast champion for Durham, whose life's work was anchored by his love of and by family, passed away in his home on February 28th, 2026, leaving a legacy woven deeply into the fabric of Durham, North Carolina.

A proud graduate of East Carolina University and former educator and coach, he carried the discipline, focus, and team-first mindset of athletics into every chapter of his life. Whether in business, philanthropy, public service, or at home, he was intentional, steady, and guided by principle.

Education remained a lifelong priority. Harry invested deeply in young people and in the systems that support them. He was on the board of the Public Education Network, the Public Education Task Force, ECU's School of Business Advisory Board, UNC's Education Foundation, and The Durham Technical Community College Foundation. He also understood that opportunity changes lives, and he used his influence to open doors for others, through founding scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and mentorship. His commitment to education reflected his belief that success is measured in future generations.

As a business leader, he built and led successful automotive enterprises across North Carolina, such as the Family Auto Group and the Land Network. As President of the North Carolina Auto Dealers Association, Cadillac Dealers of the South, and the Durham Orange Dealers Association, he shifted and strengthened the industry statewide, putting emphasis on: customer satisfaction, market leadership, good employee relations, and good corporate citizenship. His impact grew as he became a highly sought after speaker for national conventions, including with the National Automobile Dealers Association.

His positions as Chairman of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and the Durham Duke Campaign, as well as boardships to the Better Business Bureau and the Research Triangle Region Partnership demonstrated his deep commitment to impactful relationships between community and businesses.

He also never saw business as separate from responsibility. He believed that leadership also meant showing up for community. Over the years, Harry donated hundreds of cars to Duke Children's Hospital Classic and the Jimmy V Classic, and, as a person in a leadership position in the industry, encouraged other dealers to find ways to invest within their own communities. Harry also served as President of the Durham County United Way for several years and remained on as a board member after it transitioned to the Triangle United Way for several more.

In 1984, he and his wife, Kathy, founded the Land Tradition Golf Tournament, which ran for 19 years and raised hundreds of thousands for local nonprofits. The tournament became a signature example of his ability to bring people together around shared purpose. In 1996, he was honored as an Olympic Torch Bearer, a fitting recognition for someone who carried the spirit of service so visibly in his community.

His leadership across business and community organizations reflected the trust others placed in his integrity and judgment. In 2002, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina's highest honors, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the state.

At home, Harry inspired greatness. He believed that excellence was not accidental, it was cultivated. He encouraged his family to pursue their passions boldly, to lead with integrity, and to show up in the world with character and generous hearts. As often as he was imparting advice or telling a story, he was dispensing humor. Known for his quick one-liners, he was playful in nature, and loud with his laughter. You could not help but smile.

Harry spent incalculable hours with his children playing baseball and basketball, wherever they could find a field or court. The television was always tuned into sports, especially the Chicago Cubs or the UNC Tar Heels. He loved to travel, to be at the beach, to have long, spacious meals with a table full of family and friends, and just generally doing the things that engaged him in a quality of life that provided joy, connection, and purpose.

He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Lee Land, Sr.; his mother, Marie McCloskey Land; and his brother, John Robert Land.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Byrum Land; his three children: Kimberley Dayton, T Land (Carolyn Fryberger), Lee Land (Anica); his six siblings: Col Thomas Joseph Land (Linda), James William Land (Linda), Edward Martin Land (Vicki), Regina Land McNair, Joseph Michael Land (Laurie), Patricia Land Pierce (Joseph); his sister-in-law, Louisa; and his seven grandchildren: Channing Dayton, Macy Jurusik, Jackson Jurusik, Reagan Jurusik, Ryne Land, Grace Land, and Calvin Land.

His legacy lives on in his community and within the family he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: CANDOR (legally the Autism Support and Advocacy Center), EIN: 26-4613218, 1901 Chapel Hill Rd. Durham, NC 27707

https://www.candornc.org/donate

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 3rd at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham, NC. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfunralservice.com.