Harold Mabrey
MABREY, HAROLD L.
Harold Mabrey, husband, father, and former US Army procurement officer, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, January 21, 2018. He was 84.
Originally from Pittsburg and Dallas, Texas, “Slo”, as he was known to friends, attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City on a football scholarship, but soon left the playing field to serve as team statistician. He joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1955.
After graduation, he married his classmate Barbara Johnson and was drafted by the Army. He served two years in uniform, then worked as a civilian procurement officer for Army Aviation, negotiating contracts with national and international helicopter companies.
In 1986, he was promoted to the Senior Executive Service (SES) – a rank equivalent to onestar or Brigadier General.
The Army sent him to earn an MBA at George Washington University in Washington, DC; to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces; and to Harvard University to study national and international security.
He retired after 35 years, but was recalled to serve as Executive Director of Acquisitions for the Army Aviation and Troop Command in St Louis for an additional two years.
He received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award five times; the Secretary of the Army’s
Exceptional Civilian Service Award; the Presidential Rank Meritorious Executive Award; the Department of Defense Management Award; Blacks in Government Civil Service Achievement Award; and was named a Lincoln University Distinguished Alumni.
Left to mourn are his wife Barbara, three children: Vicki, Lesley (Kimberly Reed), and Kevin; two grandchildren, Sienna and Grant; along with a host of in-laws, family, and friends.
Interment will be at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations “in memory of Harold Mabrey” to Treasurer, at Greater St Louis Lincoln Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O.Box16762, St Louis, MO 63105.
Although you have fallen, I believe that you are not truly gone. Your body may have run its course, but your soul will live forever within me. I am cognizant of eternal life and the possibility of reincarnation. You will always be with me as my guide, my mentor and my biggest supporter!!! I love you, dad and miss you already!
Dear Vicki and family
What an incredible person Harold “ Slo” Mabry is and will always be
My love to you all
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Dear Barbara and Vicki,
I am so very glad I spent fun times with your beloved husband and father. I grieved for him and you when his lingering illness deprived him of his peace of mind and happiness. Having been surrounded by his loved ones as he transitioned from this life to the next I know he does so in peace.
Love to you, Donna
Our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with the Mabrey family and especially our dear friends Les and Kimberly.
Colette and Stephen Matola
I met Slo and Barbara through their friends and Lincoln classmates Art and Dorothy Lathan. Ever since then, at homecomings and national alumni conventions we’d always sit and chat. I last saw them both in New Orleans in July 2016, when Slo was inducted in the Lincoln University Hall of Fame. He was a gentle giant, how made an impact on lives of others. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Barbara. “Lincoln, O’ Lincoln We Thy Proud Children Are”.
Slo was a gentle giant, and the epitome of one of Dr. Benjamin Mays concepts, which states that it is best not to begin seeking greatness in an endeavor, but better to seek to serve it diligently, and greatness will surely find you in the long run. Slo did it without mumbling a word.
Mr. Harold (Slo) L. Mabrey, I pray that you are now in the Holiest od Holy Places, and that The Lord continues to look favorably on your family. Peace.
Colonel Billy C. Arnwine, USA, Inf, Ret.
Deepest sympathy to Aunt Barbara and entire family. Although we are miles away we are with you in spirit. Uncle Harold lead a wonderful life and will truly be missed. Our family has forever changed with his passing. Although he may be gone, his spirit and presence will always be felt.
Dear Barbara, Vicki, Lesley, and Kevin, in remembrance of Slo, ‘ Those we love don’t go away. They walk with us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and still dear.’ Sincerely, Bob and Myrtle Brown
My dearest Vicki, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am happy I got to meet Harold and spend a little time. This story of his achievements is awe-inspiring, but indeed his greatest success IS his beautiful family. One and ALL.
May your tears flow for his physical absence, but may your heart find joy in a lifetime of memories.
Blessings upon you all.
“Tunie”
My condolences to the Mabrey family. Such pleasant memories of Harold and Vicki from our Lincoln University St. Louis Chapter Founders Day Luncheons, and alumni events to reflect upon! A lovely family, and a fine Lncolnite who will be missed!
Earline Butler
A Past President of Greater STL LU Alumni
Correction- Barbara was meant for the Lincoln University Alumni Activities and events – not daughter, Vicki.
Earline Butler
Gods’ blessings to the Mabry family . May you find peace, strength and love in the lt Harold Maybry legacy..
Mr. Mabrey was my supervisor and I was his secretary back in St. Louis at the Mart Building. What a wonderful man and civil servant. I still visit with Mr. Schneider each time I come back to the St. Louis area, he asks if I know anything about Harold Mabrey. A great man has passed.
I was Vicki’s classmate and friend in college and was honored to meet Mr. Mabrey at that time. When he took us to dinner, I knew I was in the presence of a “fine” and “classy” man. Vicki is most fortunate to have had such a wonderful father! Only the body dies, the spirit lives forever and that’s the GOOD NEWS!
I was Vicki’s neighbor in Rhinebeck, NY. My wife Claire and I became warm friends. One day she brought her whole family to our house nearby. We were delighted to welcome her father Harold and his family. Wonderful. Thank you!