Harold Dollaway

Harold G. Dollaway of Mancelona passed away on August 23rd at home. Harold was born on May 22, 1924 in Lowell, Michigan to Floyd "Hap" and Donna (Dixon) Dollaway. He grew up in Lowell and after graduating high school, enlisted in the United States Navy. He graduated Navy boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station. Harold served during World War II being stationed in the Admiralty Islands where he was a ship fitter, repairing ships damaged in the war. He played the tuba in the Navy band with that love of music carrying on when he returned to the states where he played in numerous community bands and ensembles through the years. In 1943 he married the love of his life, Fay Green. They moved from Lowell to Muskegon building their own family home where they raised their family. This year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He started working at Gibson Sheet Metal as an apprentice and eventually partnered with another man and bought the business. In 1969 after selling the sheet metal business he and his wife relocated their family and purchased Johnson's Hardware in Mancelona. That hardware eventually became the Ace Hardware. After being the "Helpful Hardware Man" for 17 years, the store was sold in 1986 and they retired to their home east of Mancelona. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, wood working, and music. He played the tuba, harmonica, and banjo and he played them all well. On occasion his wife would join him in playing their harmonicas together. Family campfires always included musical instruments. Harold loved the Upper Peninsula traveling often to their cabin in Goetzville. Old family photos show him in a long line waiting for the ferry to transport them across the Straits to go to deer camp in the UP. Harold loved his community. He was one of the oldest and longest volunteers with the White Pine Stampede. He contributed woodworking projects to the Mancelona School auction with successful bidders happily leaving with birdhouses and benches. Harold loved watching the Mancelona Ironmen play football, especially when his grandsons Travis, Jesse & Tyler Dollaway were playing. He rarely missed a home game. Harold loved a good auction, they were a favorite weekend pastime of his. He was preceded in death by his parents and young sister Charlene. He is survived by his wife Fay; and four children, Molly, (ElDee) McGill of Pine Bluff, NC, Kelly, (Barbara) Dollaway of Canton, TX, Christa Gaugler of Bellaire and Carter, (Jan) Dollaway of Mancelona. Other grandchildren include Becky and Christine Dollaway and Cherri, Maureen and Teresa McGill. He has twelve great grandchildren. Per Harold's wishes cremation has taken place. No services are planned. The Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes is handling the arrangements. Please sign his guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com