Scholarship honors long-time St. Aug's coach
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Harvey Heartley Sr.'s family is making sure his legacy continues at Saint Augustine's University.
His family established a scholarship in the longtime basketball coach's name on Tuesday, one day after his death. He was 79. His son, Harvey Heartley, Jr. said "Saint Augustine's has been important for my family, and also to my father. But we've got generations of people within the Heartley family that are Saint Augustine's College graduates. So it just seems like it's the right thing to do."
St. Augustine's University Interim President Dr. Everett Ward said Heartley and his wife were just on campus two weeks ago to make a donation. He said the family's decision to establish a scholarship is fitting.
"This great scholarship that will honor his legacy, but also help another generation of Saint Augustine's sons and daughters to have a quality education," said Ward.
A native of Clayton, Heartley first made his mark at N.C. Central University where he played basketball from 1951-55 when it was known as North Carolina College. He played under legendary coach John B. McLendon. He was co-captain during his final two seasons.
Before arriving at SAU, Heartley was a stellar high school boys basketball coach-leading both Ligon High School in Raleigh and then Cooper High School in Clayton to state championships.
He began his coaching career at St. Augustine's in 1971, where he led the Falcons to 371 victories in 23 years. Heartley also served as SAU Athletic Director from 1971 to 1996 where he grew the department from three to 13 sports.
"Heartley was a great man" said current A.D. and legendary track coach George Williams, who served as an assistant basketball coach under Heartley for several years. "He believed in student athletes, he believed in helping all students."
Williams said Heartley will be remembered as one of the greatest Falcons' coaches who ever lived.
Heartley played a huge role in changing the CIAA bylaws to allow every team to qualify for the CIAA Tournament instead of eight teams.
The funeral will be Friday, June 27 at First Baptist Church on 101 South Wilmington Street in Raleigh at noon. The viewing will be at 11 a.m. The funeral home in charge is Barnes Funeral Home on 325 Camel Street in Clayton.
In lieu of flowers, the Heartley family is requesting you make a donation to the George Heartley Scholarship Fund at Saint Augustine's University.
