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In honor and memory of Dr. Ernest Harrill (1917-2011)


Last updated March 14, 2016

By News administrator

Dr. Ernie Harrill

Dr. Ernest Harrill, Professor of Political Science Emeritus at Furman University, died Dec. 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

Dr. Harrill taught at Furman from 1949 to 1983, and also served as the university’s first Dean of Students.  Just as importantly, he served the community as chair of the Citizens Committee when the Greenville County School District peacefully desegregated its schools in 1970.

The memorial service for Dr. Harrill will be held in Carpenter’s Chapel at First Baptist Church in Greenville at 2 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2012.  Interment will be private at Springwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Ernest Harrill Scholarship Fund, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC  29613 or to First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC  29601.

In honor and memory of Dr. Harrill, we have posted a copy of the 1972 Furman Magazine article that highlights those controversial days in 1970 and the key role he played in implementing one of the largest and most successful desegregation exercises in the country.

Read Furman Magazine article

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