Harold H. Sterling, Jr.

Harold Hugh Sterling, Jr., 87, passed away on April 12, 2026, after a short illness.

He was born on July 2, 1938, in Washington, D.C., and attended Montgomery Blair High School. He later served in the Naval Reserves.

A gifted athlete, Harold was a JUCO All-American in football, which earned him a scholarship to Memphis State University, where he played tight end and defensive end for the Tigers. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 1984 and received the prestigious Billy J. Murphy Award. He graduated from Memphis State in 1961 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Harold’s life was marked by leadership, service, and achievement. He was an active member of the Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he was named Memphis Outstanding Young Man and Tennessee Outstanding Young Man in 1972. He went on to serve four terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives and was the State Chairman for Ronald Reagan’s 1976 presidential campaign. In 1978, he was a Republican candidate for Governor of Tennessee, running against Lamar Alexander.

In business, Harold built one of the largest real estate enterprises in Memphis, mentoring and developing countless professionals along the way. In 1992, he made history as the first Republican elected to a countywide office in Shelby County when he was elected Property Assessor.

Harold made the people around him better. He was a man of deep honor, a consummate team player who believed that anything was possible with the right people and effort. His legacy lives on through the many individuals he mentored and inspired—his influence reaching far beyond his own accomplishments.

He was a longtime member of Bellevue Baptist Church and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His faith was a steady foundation throughout his life, and there is great comfort in knowing that he is now celebrating and praising God with the saints in Heaven.

He loved to fish, talk politics, and follow Memphis Tigers sports, but what truly set him apart was his gift for storytelling. Those fortunate enough to hear him knew they were in the presence of someone who could bring moments, people, and history vividly to life.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Sterling; his children, Harold Hugh “Trae” Sterling III and his wife Teresa of Lakeland, TN; Tiffany Sterling Powell and her husband Jonathan of Zionsville, IN; Bradford Judson Sterling and his wife Amy of Memphis, TN; and Gowan Albrittain Sterling of Memphis, TN.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Harold Hugh “Sam” Sterling IV, Greyson Sterling and his wife Zoya; Christian “Ty” Sterling and his wife Victoria; Maddie Sterling, Reid Powell, Sterling Powell, Aiden Powell, Virginia Powell, Evelyn Sterling, and Poppy Sterling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Hugh Sterling, Sr., Helen Albrittain Sterling, and his brother, Barry Evan Sterling.

A funeral service will be held on April 29, 2026, at Peebles West Funeral Chapel, 10670 U.S. Highway 64, Somerville, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.