News Summary
Hal Venable Worth, a respected member of the Raleigh community, passed away recently. Known for his dedication to family, service, and sports, Hal left a significant legacy in community leadership and youth development. His extensive career at York Properties and passion for the North Carolina Tar Heels and golf further defined his life. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, with a memorial service scheduled to honor his contributions.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Longtime Community Leader and Family Man Passes Away
Hal Venable Worth, a respected Raleigh resident with deep roots in North Carolina and a lifelong dedication to family, community service, and sports, died recently. His passing marks the end of a notable life characterized by professional excellence, community involvement, and personal passions.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Hal Venable Worth was a graduate of Woodberry Forest School in 1958. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1962. His academic background laid the foundation for a career distinguished by technical proficiency and meticulous attention to detail.
Military Service and Early Career
Following graduation, Hal served for two years as a Naval Supply Officer through the Naval ROTC program at UNC. This military service contributed to his disciplined approach and leadership skills. After completing his service, he joined York Properties, beginning a relationship that spanned more than five decades. Initially serving as J.W. “Willie” York’s right-hand man, Hal eventually advanced to the role of Chief Investment Officer. His extensive work at York Properties was marked by a strong work ethic, sharp skills in mathematics and accounting, and a reputation as an outstanding negotiator. His efforts played a significant role in the company’s growth and success over the years.
Passion for Sports and Hobbies
A dedicated enthusiast of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Hal followed the team’s progress closely since graduating in 1962. His love of sports extended to golf, a pastime he enjoyed immensely. An accomplished golfer, he won the Carolina Country Club championship three times. Known for his organizational skills, Hal arranged pairings and kept detailed records of results at the Morehead City Country Club, effectively serving as a commissioner for his friends’ golf outings. Each year, he made a pilgrimage to Augusta, Georgia, to attend the Masters Golf Tournament, which he regarded as a highlight of his life.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Hal was actively involved in various community organizations. He served as past chairman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County, demonstrating his commitment to youth development. His leadership extended to real estate, where he was chairman of the Raleigh Board of Realtors and its first chairman of the Commercial Division. Additionally, Hal served as a past chairman of the Raleigh Housing Authority, dedicating time to improving housing affordability and development in the region.
His faith played an important role in his life; he was an active member of Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church, holding several leadership positions within the church community.
Family and Personal Life
Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Hal Venable Worth, Jr. and Mary Simmons Andrews Worth, as well as his stepson, Jason Laughinghouse. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Lynne, his children, Hal Venable Worth IV (Lee) and Kelly Worth Mitchell (Michael), and their five granddaughters: Catherine, Sarah Scott, Hallie, Wynn, and Molly. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren and two sisters, Julia Worth Ray and Holladay Worth Sanderson.
Memorial Service and Contributions
A memorial service honoring Hal will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather in the church’s Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Transitions LifeCare or the Boys & Girls Club of Wake County, reflecting Hal’s lifelong dedication to service and community support.
The family is being cared for by Brown-Wyne, located at 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, which is assisting with arrangements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Leader Hal Worth Passes Away in Raleigh
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Hal Worth III
- Legacy: Hal Worth Obituary
- Forbes: SZA Receives Hal David Starlight Award
- Legacy: Jason Laughinghouse Obituary
- Reflector: Ira Hardy II Obituary
- Wikipedia: Raleigh
- Google Search: Hal Venable Worth
- Google Scholar: Hal Venable Worth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Google News: Hal Venable Worth
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
