Harry Houston Cash, USAF (Retired)

April 24, 1944 – January 27, 2022

Born and raised in Buena Vista, Virginia, he was a graduate of Parry McCluer High School where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduation, Harry played pro football for the Sumter Generals in Sumter, SC, which was then known as the Carolina League.

Harry joined the US Air Force and served for 21 years and flew as an aircrew member for 18 years with the Air Rescue Service Jolly Green Giants. During his time in the Air Force, Master Sergeant Harry Cash distinguished himself by meritorious service as an Instructor Supervisor for the Helicopter Flight Engineer Course and served as both a flight engineer and flight engineer instructor. He served multiple tours of Vietnam and throughout his distinguished Air Force career, Harry received many awards and accolades, including: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Eight Bronze Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with One Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his service in the Air Force, Harry worked as a civil servant for the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy in Norfolk, VA before his retirement in 1994. Harry was a life-long UVA fan and a die-hard Redskins fan since 1955.

Harry was the son of the late William Cash and Margaret Lawhorne of Buena Vista, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Cash, Jr. and sisters, Sue Jewell and Margie Hardin. Surviving are his sons Michael Cash and his wife, Suzanna King Cash, Chad Cash, Tom Beverly, and daughter, Melissa Cash. He also leaves behind brothers Bob Cash (Brenda), Geary Staton, and sisters, Brenda Dexter, Joann Floyd, Carmen Higgins (Jimmy), Jean Newell (Butch), and Penny Rowsey (Frank), and sister-in-law Jo Cash.

Harry leaves behind to cherish his memories his six grandchildren: Samantha, Morgan, and Kristian Cash, and Imajae Holloman, Deajae Cash, and Dwayne Legette, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. The family will receive friends following the service. Final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, American Legion, DAV, or your local VFW.