Andrew “Andy” Harriss Symmes, 94, passed away September 1, 2017. He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Jean Deck Symmes. Having grown up in Wilmington, NC, he was the son of the late Harrison M. and Mary Harriss Symmes.
On December 7, 1945, upon his discharge from the Marine Corps at the culmination of World War II, Andy married Jean Deck. He set an incredible example of being a great husband, exemplified throughout 67 years of marriage, but even more so during Jean’s last years, at which time she was ill and Andy demonstrated unconditional love at her side.
His children and grandchildren all inherited many wonderful traits from him, such as fishing, sailing, ability to fix things, strong work ethic, fierce loyalty, steady temperament, and tenacity, to name a few.<
The slogan, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine,” applies to Andy. He served in the Marshall Islands during World War II, including the battle at Iwo Jima.
Andy’s family legacy includes: children, Andrew Symmes, Jr. (Jeanne), Jean (Bunny) Godfrey (Bob), Raymond (Ray) Symmes (Kathy), Mary Gwyn (Tom) (former husband Tate Carty, deceased), and James (Jim) Symmes (Katherine); eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; brother, Francis (Frank) Symmes of Wilmington; sister-in-law, Mrs. Harrison (Joan) Symmes, and predeceased by brothers, Harrison (Harry) and Courtland (Coty) Symmes, and special friend Shirley Freedman (Marlin deceased).
Andy attended Davidson College before entering the US Marine Corps in World War II and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University. He worked for Cone Mills Corporation as director of management training and personnel research before retiring in 1984.
He was an active volunteer at Christ United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels and at Cone Hospital in Emergency Department, while remaining active in the Marine Corps League and as a master gardener.
There will be a memorial service for Andy at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church, 5228 Hilltop Road, Greensboro, NC 27282, Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Greater Carolinas MS Society or the PKD Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightcremationandfuneral.com. Wright Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Copyright (c) 2017 Greensboro News & Record