SHOURDS, HARRY VINUCKSON, 87, of Seaville, N.J. passed away on July 25, 2017. He was born on July 24, 1930; one of four children of Harry Mitchell Shourds and Martha Clemenson Shourds of Ocean City, N. J. Harry was a third generation decoy maker who carved decoys and bird carvings for approximately 70 years.
In 1989 he was the first decoy maker and New Jersey resident to be awarded a “National Heritage Fellowship” from the National Endowment for the Arts. Like his grandfather and father before him, Harry’s efforts as a folk artist resulted in the name “Shourds” becoming a household word among collectors and folk art enthusiasts. He was one of the few full time “professional” decoy carvers of his generation and his work was the subject of numerous articles and documentaries over the years. His love of wildfowl and nature in general inspired him over the seven decades of his carving career. Harry was a member and supporter of many non-profit organizations, including the Tuckerton Seaport and New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association to name a few.
Harry served as a Seabee, (Construction Battalion) with the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed in Cuba and Morocco and in addition to his regular duties he boxed for the Navy. Harry was proud of the fact that he only suffered one defeat during his boxing career. Harry was a man of faith, while growing up he attended Ocean City Baptist Church, and after moving to the mainland, he became a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Marmora, N. J. He was a longstanding member, contributor, and public speaker for Gideons International.
Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jermaine “Jerry” Shourds and their daughter, Kathe Merlino, and his older brother, Alvin Shourds. He is survived by a sister, Virginia Sparling, a younger brother, Raymond Shourds, (Claudia), and a sister-in-law, Arlene Shourds, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition, Harry is survived by his niece and caregiver with whom he resided, Christine Thompson. Memorial donations may be sent to Gideons International at PO Box 65, South Seaville, NJ 08246 Attn.: Gary Hunter. J. P. Hand
www.radzieta.com
In 1989 he was the first decoy maker and New Jersey resident to be awarded a “National Heritage Fellowship” from the National Endowment for the Arts. Like his grandfather and father before him, Harry’s efforts as a folk artist resulted in the name “Shourds” becoming a household word among collectors and folk art enthusiasts. He was one of the few full time “professional” decoy carvers of his generation and his work was the subject of numerous articles and documentaries over the years. His love of wildfowl and nature in general inspired him over the seven decades of his carving career. Harry was a member and supporter of many non-profit organizations, including the Tuckerton Seaport and New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association to name a few.
Harry served as a Seabee, (Construction Battalion) with the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed in Cuba and Morocco and in addition to his regular duties he boxed for the Navy. Harry was proud of the fact that he only suffered one defeat during his boxing career. Harry was a man of faith, while growing up he attended Ocean City Baptist Church, and after moving to the mainland, he became a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Marmora, N. J. He was a longstanding member, contributor, and public speaker for Gideons International.
Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jermaine “Jerry” Shourds and their daughter, Kathe Merlino, and his older brother, Alvin Shourds. He is survived by a sister, Virginia Sparling, a younger brother, Raymond Shourds, (Claudia), and a sister-in-law, Arlene Shourds, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition, Harry is survived by his niece and caregiver with whom he resided, Christine Thompson. Memorial donations may be sent to Gideons International at PO Box 65, South Seaville, NJ 08246 Attn.: Gary Hunter. J. P. Hand
www.radzieta.com
End Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400
