Harold William Chambers

Harold William Chambers was born July 17, 1945, in Wilmington DE and passed away peacefully at his home in New Castle DE on May 31, 2022, with his Family by his side. He was the Son of the Late Helen Purnsley- Chambers and Arthur (Pete) Chambers, Sr.

Harold, also known to some as Purnsley, Chambers, and Clutch, received his education in the Wilmington Public School system. He graduated from Howard High School, where he was a Track Star and Basketball Star. Harold won his first award in the Bridgeton Relays in 1963 with a record time of 3:26. He later furthered his education at Delaware State University and Delaware Technical Community College.

In his younger days he was a Boy Scout. He also coached track and basketball and he also provided words of encouragement to the Local neighborhood children, his relatives, and friends.  Harold received a certification as register Amateur Athlete with the MIDDLE ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION, AAU- Amateur Athletic union of the United States.

In 1968 Harold met and married Frances Hurtt and from that union he had Tonya L. Chambers, Cherlynn S. Chambers, Harold Stephen Chambers, Ra’mon Chambers, his beloved Stepson Ronald Hurtt.

In Harold’s later years in life, he met and married the late Doris.

Harold worked for the City of Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant as a Plant Operator  from 1969 – 1998. He then transferred to work for US FILTER PLANT- Plant Operator and continued to work until his health issues caused him to retire early.

Harold was a union member of the Local 320 he was appointed the Shop Stewart for the union. He was also apart the executive board for Local 320. He also worked for the Presbyterian Church of Wilmington DE as a maintenance man.

Harold was well-wisher of the CHURCH OF GOD AND SAINTS OF CHRIST, and he had a very close relationship with the Late Elder John Prince Walker of Church of God and Saints of Christ First Tabernacle Beth EL Wilmington DE. He was a God-fearing man and loved to help people. He loved traveling and taking train rides in Lancaster PA.  Dancing, Telling Jokes and going out to eat were among his favorite things to do. He enjoyed watching sports, especially his favorite teams the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia 76’ERS.  Talking on the phone, hanging out with his brother Arnold and his crew, going fishing with his sons, Grandchildren and Great- Grand Children.

He also loved to dress and cook, and when he could not cook, he would sit in the kitchen and tell you how to cook his favorite meals.   Although he was legally blind, he could count his money to the penny. he also provided good driving directions to wherever you needed to go.

Harold had a few buddies he enjoyed hanging with Milton Hurtt- high school buddy, Norris taking him for rides and inviting him to gatherings, Bill Reeves his traveling buddy, Bubbles making his famous chili, and going to games with his brother-in-law Phillip L. Hurtt Sr.

He loved playing Spelling Bee and Math contest with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and doing fun things with them.

Family Gatherings were one of his favorite things and listening to his Oldies But Goodies, His Gospel and Jazz Music and watching Western Movies.

His favorite Artists were Mary J Blige, Patti LaBelle, David Ruffin, Marvin Sapp and Pastor Monica and Family song- Fight On.

He was a father figure to his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighborhood children.

Harold had also enjoyed spending time with his Late Aunt Mable, Uncle Sonny and Cousin Joan.

Harold spent his last days being cared for by his Children Tonya, Cherlynn, H. Stephen and Ra’mon Chambers his Grandsons Andrew Chambers, James Chambers, Granddaughter’s Natalee Chambers, Trina Chambers and his great-grands Aziria Chambers , Caydance Chambers, and Charles Chambers and his first wife Frances Hurtt- Chambers.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Helen Purnsley- Chambers and Arthur (Pete) Chambers,  Doris ,  his sisters Bertha (Jackie) Whye, Arlene Chambers, Brother Jerome Chambers and Stepson Ronald Hurtt.

He is survived by his children Tonya L. Chambers – Wilmington DE, Cherlynn S. Chambers- New Castle DE, Harold Stephen Chambers- Wilmington DE, Ra’mon Chambers (Tia)- New Castle DE. He had 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Brothers Ernest Purnsley (Juanita) - North Carolina, Arthur Chambers JR. - North Carolina, Arnold Chambers- Wilmington DE, Sisters: Mable (JO) Taylor – New Castle DE, Arona Chambers- Wilmington DE, Wanda Orija (Victor)- South Carolina Paulette Brown (Cliff) - Maryland, Barbara Ann Chambers – Middletown DE and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday June 23, 2022 at 11 am. Viewning, 9-10:45am, Mother UAME Church, 701 E. 5th Street Wilm., DE 19801. Interment, Silverbrook Cemetery. Masks are required.