Patrick Harrington

Patrick Russell "Paddy McGurk" Harrington, 73, of Bath, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by family at his home on February 3, 2026-"The Day the Music Died." Pat was born on October 4, 1952, to Linwood and Ida Harrington.

He is survived by his children: Marie Foster (Lee Gurley), Buddy Harrington, Sandra Ferebee (Joel), and Carrie Wheatley (Marlon); his sister, Anne Hare; his very special niece, Tori Harding (Mike); and his nephew, Cody Hare (Brandy).

He was lovingly known as "Big," a nickname given to him by Tori, and he carried that name proudly among his many grandchildren: Raymond Lacasse (Taylor), AmberLynn Sawyer, Wade Ratcliffe (Beth), Samuel Ratcliffe, and Celeste Wheatley, and his great-grandson, Braxton Lacasse. He is further survived by great nieces and nephews Jordan, Andrew, Brooke, and Myla Harding, and Cadence Hare.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Linwood and Ida Harrington; his sister, Patricia; and the love of his life, his wife, Marion. The bond that Pat and Marion shared for 28 years is a story like no other, and the family takes comfort in knowing they are together again.

Growing up on the family farm, he helped his Uncle Myron with hauling tobacco. After graduating from Bath High School, he pursued his love of music, taking on a variety of jobs in the music industry. He drove trucks for Red Wheeler of Atlanta, Georgia, and in the 1960s and 1970s, he worked as a "roadie," driving trucks for tours with Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole.

A rock and roll star at heart, Pat had an extraordinary talent for the keyboard. His grandmother nurtured his love of the ivory keys at a young age, paying for piano lessons. Though he never learned to read sheet music, he played by ear, mastering songs entirely by listening-a skill that amazed all who heard him play. Over the years, he performed with many bands, including The Lovin Kind, Jim Watters and the Brotherhood, Risky Bizness, Fat Katz, and 40 West.

While his heart was always in the music business, he often said it didn't pay the bills. He worked for many companies over the years, driving trucks for Singer Furniture, and later for his father's construction company, L. E. Harrington and Son, which evolved into Harrington and Sand. Pat and his wife, Marion, ran Harrington Sand, shaping the landscapes of Eastern North Carolina for many years. Pat did much of the ground work on significant buildings in Beaufort County, including the original Lowes, Harvest Church, and Northeast Elementary School.

It was Pat's wish not to have a funeral service. However, his family has chosen to hold a visitation service so that the many lives he touched can come together to share stories and memories. The visitation will be held at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 3:00-5:00pm.
The family would like to honor a few of Pat's friends as honorary pallbearers: Ozzie Smithwick, Kevin Tetteron, James Tetteron, Barney Conway, Warren Brinn, Rob Cuthrell, Dale Oden, Jackie Floyd, and Mitch St. Clair. In keeping with Pat's wishes, the family also plans a celebration with music at a future date when the weather warms, giving everyone a chance to remember him the way he lived-surrounded by laughter, music, and friends.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Victoria Cadavid, Elizabeth Sawyer, Zech Houser, and Dennis Davis for providing care and companionship to Pat during his final weeks.
Since there are no services, the family kindly requests that no flowers be sent. In Pat's honor, contributions may be made to Pinetown Fire Rescue EMS (7262 N. Boyd Rd, Pinetown, NC 27865.) The Pinetown Volunteer Fire Department played a vital role in ensuring Pat could be home when no other organization would help-a gesture that meant more to the family than words can express.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Harrington family.