Hugh Harris Ervin

Hugh Harris Ervin, 99, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on December 17, 2025.

Hugh was born on April 9, 1926, in Statesville, North Carolina, to Earl McLelland Ervin and Nancy Cleora Harris Ervin. He grew up on the family farm just west of Statesville, a place that would remain the center of his life for nearly a century. Shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression, the early loss of his father, and his service as a young man in the military, Hugh developed a quiet strength, deep resilience, and an enduring sense of responsibility.

He attended Scotts Elementary and High School before serving two years in the United States Navy during World War II. Afterwards, he spent a year at Mitchell College in Statesville, and went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce in 1950. Following his college years, Hugh built a career in finance and accounting, serving organizations including Robertson Fertilizer Company, W. R. Grace & Co., Davis Hospital, and Alexander County Hospital. Though never motivated by wealth, he believed in honest work, careful stewardship, and living within one’s means—principles that guided him throughout his life.

Hugh married Emily Frances Leitner of Portsmouth, Virginia, and for 67 years they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service, centered around their long-time church home at Concord Presbyterian Church in Loray, North Carolina. Emily preceded him in death in 2019. Hugh was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and family was always the center of his world. He is survived by his three children, Nancy Nesheim (Brad), David (Kathryn), and John (Joyce); five grandchildren, Ben, Philip, Anna, Daniel, and Drew; and 5 great grandchildren, Charlotte, Cate, John, Joseph, and Emily. He is also survived by two nieces, Sue Hedrick Schulz and Penny Hedrick, and was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Ervin Hedrick.

A lifelong farmer at heart, Hugh never left the land where he was born—growing up, living, and ultimately passing away in the same house on the family farm. He loved farming, raising beef cattle, fixing fences, making hay, and tending to the daily rhythms of farm life. In his later years, his son John worked alongside him on the farm, a partnership that brought him great pride and joy. Hugh retired after 36 years of work, then enjoyed 37 years of retirement, remaining strong and active almost until the very end.

Hugh was known for his kindness, generosity, devotion to church and family, and genuine interest in the lives of others. He worshipped and served faithfully at Concord Presbyterian Church in Loray, North Carolina. Neighbors knew him as a steady presence and a good man. He loved children and delighted in playing with his grandchildren, whether on the floor or out on the farm. He was an accomplished artist, developing his artistic skills only after his retirement. He found joy in simple pleasures—traveling around the country, hearing funny stories about his grandchildren, and finishing a task done well enough to declare, with a smile, “That’s close enough.” In his later years, Hugh was lovingly supported by a devoted team of caregivers who helped him age with dignity and comfort in his home. The family extends sincere gratitude to Pat, Stella, Robin, Emily, Dekota, Terrie, and Tina for their compassionate care and friendship. Appreciation also goes to his Hospice care team – Alexis, Nina, Jill, and Reverend Eric.

Hugh lived a life marked by faith, honesty, generosity, and respect for others. Strong until the very end, he leaves behind a legacy carried forward by his loved ones, as they cherish the abundant family stories and memories of the farm. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service celebrating Hugh’s life will be held at Concord Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The family will receive friends at 1:30 PM in the fellowship hall, followed by the funeral service at 2:30 PM in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church, 3867 Taylorsville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Ervin family.