Mr. Efird, of Charlotte, NC, and Marshville, NC, passed away on October 2, 2011, in Murrell's Inlet, SC. He was born on June 24, 1924, at St. Peters Hospital in Charlotte, son of the late Joseph Bivens and Elizabeth Withers Efird.

While growing up in Charlotte, he attended Miss Flornice's Kindergarten, Myers Park Grammar School and Alexander Graham Junior High. He graduated from Woodberry Forest School and was involved with wrestling and football at Woodberry, and was a member of the "W" Club. He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attained a B.S. in Commerce. At Carolina, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Frat Rep for "Hey" How You Day. His athletic prowess landed him on the varsity wrestling squad in the Unlimited Class Division.

During WWII, he served in U.S. Navy on CVE-9, USS BOGUE, as a radar man and was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation with Battle Star. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church and moved by letter to Myers Park Baptist Church after completing his education.

Mr. Efird had been Vice-President of Efird's Department Stores and the Charlotte Mercantile Company. He was currently President of Polkton Manufacturing Company, Inc. and a Director of Southern Fabricators, Inc.

He had served as a board member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and was President and Director of Litchfield Villas, Inc. He was a member of the Charlotte City Club, Charlotte Country Club, Litchfield Country Club and was a charter member of Quail Hollow Country Club.

Through Mr. Efird's tireless efforts, he was instrumental along with his associates in bringing Anson Technical College to Polkton. Additional involvements included being a Cub Scout Master, memberships in the Ace of Clubs, Knights of the Carousel and Men's Apparel Club of the Carolinas

He is survived by his children, Hugh Martin Efird Jr., Aaron Hardwick Efird and wife, Len, and Catharine Ellen Efird Gould; his sister, Elizabeth Efird Raby; and grandchildren, Carson Efird Westerlund and husband, Joe, Bonnie Efird, Katie Gould, Lauren Gould, Elizabeth Gould and Carrie Gould. He is also survived by his beloved friend, Jill Baugh Roberts.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Myers Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Robin Coira officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Interment in the Efird plot at Elmwood Cemetery will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.

Condolences may also be expressed at http://www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com .

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