Ulysses D. Miller Funeral Service, Inc. | Rutherfordton, NC

Obituary For HARTHORNE NATHANIEL WINGO

Harthorne “Wingy” Nathaniel Wingo, the only Polk County Native to ever play in the N.B.A. Was part of the integrated class at Tryon High School. He also went to Emond Embury School. Following his graduation from Tryon, Wingo attended Friendship College for a year. After college, he played for a Spartanburg Textile League before heading to New York where he then made his mark at a now famous playground at Rucker’s Park in New York City.

Harthorne was named one of the 50th Greatest to take part in Ruckers ProLeague. In 1970, Wingo was offered to play for the Harlem Wizards, which led to his contract with the Allentown Jets of Eastern League. He led Allentown to a title during the 1971-1972 season and earned his team M.V.P. February 1, 1973 when he signed his first N.B.A contract. He played 212 games with the Knicks. Wingo won his first Championship in 1973. He started off as a benched player with an unusual name. Fans at Madison Square Garden would shout Wing-o, Wing-o, Wing-o when he came into the game. He was a fan favorite throughout his time in New York City. He would immortalized in Beastie Boys song “Lay It On Me” (My favorite New York Knicks player was Harthorne Wingo). He played four seasons with the Knicks before continuing his professional career playing ball in Italy, Switzerland, and South America before retiring.

While playing overseas he traveled throughout Italy, Europe, Spain, France, Bucharest, Romania. His team won the Euro and was the first Italian team to go back to back; which is the second best record in Europe and the First Cup of Champions. After retiring in 1983 he resided in New York. He loved watching sports on T.V. and hanging out at Dunkin Donuts with friends.

Harthorne was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Nathaniel Harthorne and Mrs. Jessie Mae Gary Wingo, Brothers: Charles Gary and James Harris. Sisters: Betty Jean Vance Littlejohn, Naomi Wingo Palmer, Carolyn Diane Baxter, Laura Ann Wingo Baxter, Janet Marie Wingo Davis, Tina Wingo, and Sybil Ratliff.

Harthorne is survived by his sister Rosemary Wingo Palmer and two brothers McDonald Wingo (Pattis) and Mr. Nathaniel Shields (Geraldine). A special aunt: Alma Sykes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. And a very special and close friend David Gulstone.

SERVICE: VIEWING FROM 1-3 ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2021 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 2:00 P.M. Memorial Service and Burial Good Shepard Cemetery Tryon, NC 28782

Guest Book

Cousin Harthorne you will be missed by so many.You had a Heart of Gold with a big Smile.I didn't know you as a Basketball player,I knew you as my Friend and Cousin.Thank you for the time you did spend with me regardless if iy were a phone conversation, a phone message, Facebook chat or messenger it always ended it I Love you Cousin.Rest Peacefully , I Love you.Jackie Wingo Copeland. 7

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You were a fan favorite in NYC. You had your trials and tribulations but you triumphed. And now you're part of the last Knicks team to have won the NBA Championship. You are forever part of MSG history and will not soon be forgotten.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with Harthorne's family as they go through this difficult time. It was a pleasure to be able to see and talk with Harthorne at the weekend event hosted by several members of the Tryon High basketball team in his honor. I will never forget him saying "my name is Harthorne Wingo and I am from Tryon, NC." My sister and I fondly remember him. Ann (Brock) Brookshire and Julie Brock

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