John Hardy High

ROCKY MOUNT - John Hardy High, age 83, died on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Born in Nash County, NC on August 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Robie Jackson High and Elizabeth Bulluck High. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Roger O. Batchelor; sister, Patricia High Nenzel; and brother, James Robie High. John graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High and the University of Richmond with a BS in Business Administration in 1960. He then started John H. High & Co. specializing in residential and light commercial development in North and South Carolina. John was involved in several other building businesses including Peoples Building Supply and Concrete Services. He helped organize the Eastern Carolina Home Builders Association and served two terms as president. John also served on the boards of the local, state, and National Home Builders Associations, and the National Apartment House Committee. For several years he taught a course in project management at the Home Builders Institute at N.C. State University. John attended the Church of the Good Shepherd and was a life member and former chairman of the local Salvation Army Board. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Bombay Bridge and Bicycle Club, Benvenue Country Club, and the Hatteras Marlin Club. John served on the Campbell College Presidential Board of Advisors, the boards of Planters and Centura Banks, the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, and the Rocky Mount YMCA. He was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and boating. John leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of almost 60 years, Caroline High; sons, Johnny High and wife, Gayle, and Robert High and wife, Mary. He is also survived by grandchildren, Rob, John Hardy, and Julia High. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Rocky Mount, PO Box 1977, Rocky Mount, NC 27802 or Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. During a family's time of loss, understandably family and friends would like to visit and express their sympathy. Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services asks that during this difficult time for the safety and well-being of the family, please keep touching and contact to a minimum. We ask if you have visited outside of the USA in the last two weeks or if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms to please wait and visit with the family at a later time. You may contact the family by email, place an online condolence on our website or give the family a phone call. Again, we understand this is a difficult time but we encourage exhibiting safety and courtesy to everyone involved in these services. The mandate from Governor Cooper includes funerals, visitations and all services, so we must limit the attendance until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Service A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date.