Harry Lee Church, son of the late Harry T. Church and Hazel Burris Church, was born in Delmar, Maryland, on March 14, 1934. He was the eldest son of eight siblings born of this union. Harry passed into God's presence on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, Maryland.

He received his formal education in the public school system of Wicomico County, graduating in 1952, from Salisbury Colored High School in Salisbury, Maryland. Upon graduating, he matriculated at A & T College in Greensboro, North Carolina., receiving a certificate of completion in automotive mechanics. He also served for six years in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He furthered his studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., earning a Master of Art's degree in Educational Supervision.

His career as a teacher and educator, which spanned more than thirty-three years, began as an instructor of Industrial Arts. He concluded his career in Dorchester County as the Supervisor of Career & Technology Education. Harry retired from the Dorchester County School system in 1998. Harry's passion for fishing motivated him to study and obtain his captain's license from the United States Coast Guard. This enabled him to operate a successful family charter fishing business, H & M Fishing Guide Services, out of Nanticoke, Maryland. He was a very active member at Union Methodist Church in Delmar, Maryland.

He served on the Trustee Board, taught Sunday School, and participated in many church programs. Harry's civic and community involvement included: Dorchester County Retired Teachers' Association, 82nd Airborne Association, Salisbury High School Alumni Association, and the Community Organization for Progress (COPS).

Harry was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Marian B. Church, who preceded him into eternity. Together they shared a marriage of love, commitment, and respect. He was well-respected and loved by his family, friends, peers, and community. He was a loving, kind, and generous spirit. He will be remembered for his caring heart, words of wisdom, and service to his family and community. Harry was an exemplary father, brother, uncle, godfather, cousin, friend, and mentor.

Harry leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Cheryl Lee Church, sister, Jane Birckhead, brother, Edward (Val) Church, sister-in-law, Jean Church, godchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family, and friends. Harry was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters; Verdelle Church Sands, Annabelle Church Dix, Martie Mae Church Dashiell, Carolyn Church Scott Moore; one brother, George W. Church.

Proverbs 16: 3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts will be established.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to

Union Methodist Church,  Culinary/Food Ministry, PO Box 541, Delmar, MD, 21875