It is with great sadness that the family of Harold Paul Hargrove announces that he went to be with the Lord on August 28, 2019. Paul, a life-time resident of Limestone County, was born September 29, 1935, to Fount and Maggie Hargrove. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeanette Smith Hargrove; son and daughter-in-law, Deon and Nikky Hargrove; daughter and son-in-law, DeAnna and Tim McNeill; grandsons, Eddy Musat and Warren McNeill; sister, Mattie Sims; brother, Jim Hargrove; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lorene Brooks and Mildred Smith; and brother, Bill Hargrove.
As a graduate of Athens High School, he lettered in all four sports. His athletic ability was rewarded by a scholarship to Memphis State to play football and Athens State to play basketball. In 1961, Paul started the first football team ever at East Limestone High School. He coached for 8 years and had an undefeated team that won the Wheeler Basin Conference Championship in 1965. After his coaching career, he was principal at Belle Mina, Piney Chapel and East Limestone. He served later at Central Office as Curriculum and Attendance Supervisor.
Paul was inducted in the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. He spent his entire life being an avid fan and supporter of East Limestone and Athens sports.
Funeral services will be held in the Jimmy Drake Gymnasium at East Limestone High School on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to service from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Graveside burial will immediately follow at Athens Cemetery. Pall bears will be nephews: Matt Copeland, Kent Lewter, Raeph Hargrove, Steve Hargrove, Whit Skipworth, Mack Smith and Blythe Walls.
