Harold Veteto Comer passed from this life on October 8, 2024 at the age of 90 in Norton, Virgina with his children at his side. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Annelle Ferguson, his parents David Owen Comer and Geneva Veteto, and his sisters Owena, Carolyn, and Diane. He is survived by his second wife, Bobbie Jean Comer of Tampa, Florida; his daughter Joni Taylor of Birmingham, Alabama; his son Kevin Comer of Tampa, and his daughter and son-in-law Lori and Phillip Mullins of Asheville, North Carolina. He also left two granddaughters Hannah Hill, her husband Jordon, and Savannah Dean, and one grandson, Joseph Comer. He is also is survived by his sister, Pam Jackson and one great-granddaughter, Brynn Marie Hill, who brought him great joy when he got to visit with her shortly before his passing.
Harold was born on September 7, 1934, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. As a small child his family migrated to the north for job opportunities created by the ramp up for the Second World War. Harold grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana where his father worked in the auto industry while Harold delivered newspapers on streets lined with cracker-box houses filled with factory families. He was the oldest of five who were raised by frugal parents who believed that one of the most important virtues was hard work. His childhood was filled with chores, church, and more chores. When his mother would give him an order or correct his behavior she would say, “Now Bud…”, an abbreviation of the generic “buddy.” This nickname followed him to college and all who knew him in those years always call him Bud. His parents instilled in him a faith in God and a devotion to the simple, original path of New Testament Christianity. More than anything, these values would shape his life.
As a young man his intelligence was apparent. He had the ability to be a brilliant engineer, a successful corporate manager, or a gifted physician. However, the core of Harold’s personality and character was anchored by his devotion to Christ, a dedication to biblical teaching, and an undying love for souls. Instead, Harold became a people engineer, an insightful strategist for how churches should function, and one who applied the healing powers of the gospel to thousands of souls. Harold could be nothing other than a preacher, teacher, and evangelist.
He met and courted Annelle Ferguson from Franklin, Kentucky, while they were students at Florida College. After earning a bachelor’s degree and marrying Annelle, Harold began preaching in his home state of Indiana. First in small towns like Williams and Pekin, and later in the Indianapolis suburb of Brownsburg. In those years Harold and Annelle began a family, first with the birth of their daughter Lori, then by adopting Joni and Kevin. In 1967, Harold made the decision to move his family to Australia to do mission work. They lived in Bundaberg and Melbourne working with Aussie churches for 3 years. In 1970, they moved to Birmingham, Alabama to work with the 77th street church of Christ. In 1974, they moved to Florence, Alabama which would become their adopted home. Harold served two stints as the preacher at the College View church, totaling twenty-five years. He also had very productive years at the Jackson Heights church in Columbia, Tennessee and Vestavia church in Birmingham before retiring.
As a father and grandfather, he was characterized by his gentle wisdom, his abounding interest in whatever his children were doing, and his “ten commandments”, one of which was to never leave the refrigerator door open longer than two seconds. Besides his intense soberness about sin, souls, and eternity, Harold had a fun side. He loved humorous stories, roller coasters, and was known for his tone-deaf version of “Good Morning Sunshine” that he used to wake his children up in the morning. Harold was the eternal optimist. If he had a car that had three flat tires and he pulled over to the side of the road to survey the problem, he would probably say,” Look at that fourth tire – it did great!”
Harold’s work as a preacher will be mostly known for two things. First, his work at College View. The unique dynamic of a college town combining southern folks and a mixture of blue collar and professionals suited him. Interacting with young Christians in college provided Harold an environment in which he thrived. In those years, as well as at Jackson Heights, Harold worked as a mentor and trainer of young preachers. His work and influence in the kingdom of Christ, through them, has proliferated.
Secondly, Harold’s last two decades as a preacher was characterized by his role as teacher and advisor in the area of evangelism and church growth. He worked with countless preachers, elders, and congregations, small and large, rural and urban, on how to reach souls and build up the body of Christ. His emphasis for building a growing church always maintained a focus on good biblical teaching, uncompromising morals, and a genuine concern for every soul. He helped churches grow, but only if the goal was to help souls get to heaven and not merely to fill seats in a building.
After 52 years as partners, serving their family and churches, Annelle passed. A few years later Harold married Bobbie Jean Johnson, a widowed college friend of both Annelle and Harold’s. He and Bobbie enjoyed one another’s company for his last 13 years, spending most of it in retirement in Florida.
Harold’s spiritual values led him to focus on people, not things. His skills of listening, conversation, and insightful analysis were known by all who crossed his path. He was sought out by individuals, couples, preachers, and elders for wise counsel. When Harold stepped into a church gathering, he was infused with fresh enthusiasm. He loved the brethren, the work of the church, and the dynamic of people growing in Christ. Harold savored the relationships he built over decades, but was also energized with each new person he met. He never stopped trying to learn, adapt, and explore new domains, and to help others do the same. Now, he has entered the resting place of the soul in anticipation of the resurrection. Now he has entered the greatest domain for learning and growing. Now he has embarked on his eternal journey with the Lord whom he served so faithfully during his earthly journey. A journey of service which will continue to bless us all.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 12, 2024, at College View Church of Christ, from 1-3 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the building at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating will be Kenny Moorer and Jim Deason. Greenview Funeral Home is assisting the family.
