Dan Curtis Honeycutt, Sr. 68, of Coats died Tuesday evening, May 15, 2018 in a tractor accident on his farm. Dan was born October 19, 1949. A man of quiet strength and generosity of spirit, he was preceded in death by his father, Rupert N. Honeycutt.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Teresa Neal Honeycutt. He is also survived by his two sons, Dan Curtis Honeycutt Jr. and wife Ashley, Lance Neal Honeycutt, and mother Geraldine Honeycutt. He also leaves to cherish his memory a sister, Debbie H Turlington and husband Kent, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dan will be sorely missed by his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Neal, his dear friends, and the entire education community. In 1972, Dan Honeycutt, who grew up in the Coats community, began his commitment in education when approached by his school principal, J.C Hawley to teach agriculture. Dan was sitting on a tractor on the family farm with no intention of becoming a teacher.
In his own words, “Who would ever believe that a first grader that had to be spanked by his mother every morning to make him get on the school bus would be in teaching and education years later? I have never regretted my decision”. Dan graduated from Coats Union School in 1968, North Carolina State University in 1972, and Campbell University in 1986.
He began teaching agriculture at Coats Union School in 1972 and continued until 1985. Always quiet and relaxed, he was encouraging and supportive to all. At Coats, he served as teacher, transportation director, and leader of FFA.
While at Coats, he was the winningest high school softball coach in the state. With the opening of Triton High School in 1985, Dan took on the role of assistant principal. He was soon asked to assume the role of principal at Erwin Elementary where he served for 2 years.
Dan returned to Triton High School in 1992 to become the principal. At Triton he was truly everything to everybody. In 2001, Dan became assistant superintendent for Harnett County Schools.
In 2005 he was named the district superintendent. Dan received numerous recognitions during his career including the Milken Educator Award and upon his retirement in 2009, the esteemed Order of the Longleaf Pine. Mr. Honeycutt and Harnett County Schools were a winning combination.
After 37 years, he retired from education and returned to his beloved homeplace where he enjoyed nine years of hunting, farming, and family. He continued to serve his community on the boards of Good Hope Hospital and Central Carolina Community College. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, May 18 at Triton High School Auditorium.
A service will be held at Triton High School Auditorium at 11 o’clock on Saturday, May 19, 2018 with interment following at Coats Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Triton High School FFA, in care of Andy Cole, 215 Maynard Lake Road, Erwin, NC 28339.
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