Dr. Harry Lawton "Hal" Salisbury, Jr.

A life of faith, family and service above self are but a few terms that could be used to describe the exemplary life of Dr. Harry “Hal” Salisbury, Jr. At sunrise on Sunday, May 21st, Dr. Salisbury left his earthly confines to take his place at the hand of his Heavenly Father, to whom he had dedicated his personal and professional life for decades.

Married for 63 years, Hal is survived by his wife Barbara R. Salisbury, daughter Lynn Viands, of Folly Beach, and sons Gary and Curt of Charleston, in addition to 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a large, loving extended family. He is predeceased by his parents Harry and Kate Salisbury of Sumter, South Carolina and daughter Cynthia Ann Salisbury.

Hal, affectionately known as “Skipper”, and Barbara were married in 1953 and began their life journey together. He received a B.S. Degree in History and English, an M.A. in Student Personnel Services, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina. He also earned a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hal served congregations throughout South Carolina during his active ministry, and continued to serve on an interim basis in Cherokee, North Carolina as well as guest speaking in multiple states. He served as Chaplain in the United States Army Reserve, was Baptist Chaplain at Clemson University and Assistant Administrator of the South Carolina Baptist Hospital. Upon earning his Ph.D., Hal embarked on a successful career in higher education as Professor of Education and Human Resource Development, Director of Counseling, and Director of Continuing Education at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He retired as Vice President of Student Services at Trident Technical College in Charleston in 2001.

An active Rotarian since 1986, Hal dedicated his considerable energies to Rotary International and served in a variety of capacities, ultimately being elected a District 7770 Governor from 2001-02. Perhaps his most personally fulfilling role was the Chairman of the Gift of Life Program. Hal and Barbara are Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation, Hal is a Benefactor, and Charter member of the Paul Harris Society. His commitment to the ideals of service can be witnessed by his 27 years of perfect attendance.

While his professional achievements are too numerous to list completely, his personal life consisted of great faith and love of family. Hal cherished time spent hiking in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, and being on the water wherever he could find it-sailing, kayaking, or power boating. He enjoyed Caribbean music, likely from time spent in Jamaica where he headed the Teacher Exchange Program, and he loved a good dose of Jimmy Buffet. A stalwart professional on the one hand, a toe tapping, nature loving enthusiast on the other, Hal brought a zest for life and love to all.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service from 5-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, www.rotary.org or to Providence Baptist Church, Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492.
Condolences may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-614-8494.