News Summary
Hal Worth, a revered community figure in Raleigh, North Carolina, has passed away at 85. Known for his leadership, achievements in real estate, and passion for golf, his death marks a significant loss to local business and civic engagement. Worth dedicated over five decades to York Properties and held various community leadership roles, including with the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Raleigh Board of Realtors. He is survived by his family, who will honor his legacy through memorial services and charitable donations.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Community Leader Hal Worth Passes Away
Hal Worth, a prominent community figure known for his leadership, professional achievements, and passion for golf, has died at the age of 85 in Raleigh, North Carolina. His death marks the loss of a longstanding contributor to local business, civic engagement, and recreational activities.
Early Life and Education
Hal Worth was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Woodberry Forest School, from which he graduated in 1958. Following his high school education, he enrolled 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 his extensive career spanning over five decades in real estate and property investment.
Military Service
After completing college, Worth served for two years as a Naval Supply Officer. He was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program at UNC, gaining leadership experience and discipline that would inform his subsequent professional pursuits.
Professional Career
Hal Worth dedicated more than 56 years to York Properties, initially working as the right-hand man to founder J.W. “Willie” York. Over time, he advanced to become the company’s Chief Investment Officer. His role involved overseeing investment strategies, leveraging his strong work ethic, and applying his extensive knowledge in mathematics and accounting. Recognized as an outstanding negotiator, Worth contributed significantly to the growth, stability, and success of York Properties, helping shape its reputation in the commercial real estate sector.
Passions and Personal Interests
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Worth was a dedicated sports enthusiast, particularly a loyal fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team. He followed the team’s progress closely since his days at UNC. A passionate golfer, he enjoyed frequent trips to Atlantic Beach and was highly accomplished at local golf clubs. He won the Carolina Country Club championship three times and maintained meticulous records of his results at the Morehead City Country Club, where he effectively served as the club’s commissioner for golf activities.
Community Involvement and Leadership Roles
Throughout his life, Hal Worth actively contributed to his community through various leadership positions. He served as the chairman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County, promoting youth development and engagement. Additionally, he was the chairman of the Raleigh Board of Realtors and was the first chairman of its Commercial Division. His civic service extended to the Raleigh Housing Authority, where he provided leadership and guidance in housing initiatives. Faith and spiritual life also played a significant role; he was a dedicated attendee and leader at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church, serving in numerous roles to support the church’s missions and community outreach initiatives.
Family and Legacy
Hal Worth 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, along with his son Hal Venable Worth IV (Lee), daughter Kelly Worth Mitchell (Michael), and five granddaughters: Catherine, Sarah Scott, Hallie, Wynn, and Molly. His family also includes three great-grandchildren and two sisters, Julia Worth Ray and Holladay Worth Sanderson.
Memorial Services and Donations
A memorial service to honor Hal Worth will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 1520 Canterbury Road in Raleigh. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather in the church’s Parish Hall. Contributions in memory of Worth may be made to Transitions LifeCare or the Boys & Girls Club of Wake County to support causes he championed during his lifetime.
Brown-Wyne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and will assist the family in memorial preparations.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Hal Worth III
- Legacy.com: Jason Laughinghouse Obituary
- Pugh Funeral Home: Hal Hammer Walker Jr.
- Forbes: SZA Receives Hal David Starlight Award
- Reflector: Ira Hardy II Obituary
- Wikipedia: Hal Worth
- Google Search: Hal Worth Obituary
- Google Scholar: Hal Worth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hal Worth
- Google News: Hal 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.
