Harold Henderson Tomlinson, Jr.

Mr. Harold Henderson Tomlinson, Jr., 60, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House. Harold was born in Statesville on May 29, 1954 and was a son of the late Harold and Sybil Henderson Tomlinson. He is survived by his sister, Debbie Tomlinson Smith of Statesville. He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, where his parents, and paternal grandmother, were Charter Members. Prior to his illness, Harold had been employed for many years in Guest Relations inside the ER at Catawba Valley Hospital in Hickory. Many patients expressed gratitude for his kindness, attention and compassion during their difficult times. Many became friends. He was highly respected by his co-workers and he loved working and joking with them. He missed them, and talked of them often. The feelings were mutual. Harold had a big heart. He delighted in surprising his sister, and the nurses at Catawba Valley Hospital and many others, with unexpected gifts. He took great joy in surprising people. He loved a good joke, and telling funny stories, and he loved spending time with his friends. He battled bone cancer and the slow deterioration of his health, with great strength, kindness, dignity and grace. He was very grateful to all who cared for him. Harold had some very special friends: "brothers" and angels that helped him through his final journey. You know who you are…he loved all of you. With a grateful heart, his sister thanks you for your love, kindness, time and loving care of Harold. She hopes you all know how much it meant to him. The gift of your time, support and friendship gave her the strength to walk the journey with him. For those who knew Harold, or just met him, you will remember his big smile, his great sense of humor, his jokes, laughter and kindness. Hold that memory of him as he would want that. His sister extends a very special Thank You to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, Dr. Pam Sholar and her amazing staff, and to Iredell Memorial Radiation Therapy, CCU and Infusion Care for their kind and compassionate care. "To everything there is a season, a time to be born, a time to die, a time to weep and a time to mourn…." Rest in peace my sweet brother, I will always love and miss you. Services celebrating Harold's life will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Danny Leonard officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church , 825 Wesley Dr. Statesville, N.C. 28677 or to The Gordon Hospice House, C/O Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd. Statesville, N.C. 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.