Dr. James Hargette Ellerbe

Dr. Ellerbe was born in Rockingham, North Carolina on October 4, 1933. In 1956 he graduated from East Carolina College with dual bachelor’s degrees in social studies and English. It was at East Carolina College where he met his wife of more than sixty years, Helen Austin Ellerbe. He earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in education from North Carolina State University.

Before moving to Clayton, Ellerbe taught social studies and coached basketball in the Hopewell City Schools in Hopewell, Virginia where he was also a master teacher for student teachers. Around that same time, he served six months in the United States Army followed by eight years in the Army and Air Force Reserves.

Ellerbe moved his family to Clayton in 1957 where he started working with the public schools in the community college system. During his public school career, Ellerbe served in numerous local and state positions, most notably as chairman of the North Carolina Textbook Commission, the Johnston County Board of Education and Superintendent of Johnston County Schools from 1980-1991. As Superintendent he helped coordinate several programs of which he was particularly proud, including a center for academically gifted students, an academic super bowl and programs for mentally and emotionally disabled children.

In 1994, Ellerbe joined Campbell University where he served as Vice President for business and as Treasurer. While officially retiring from Campbell in 2005, he continued working with the School of Education as an adjunct instructor in the graduate program, a member of the Presidential Board of Advisors and secretary to the University’s Board of Trustees. During his tenure at Campbell, Dr. Ellerbe helped guide the university through a number of significant additions including the establishment of the Campbell Divinity School, the construction of new buildings for business, pharmacy research and athletics, and the renovation of the historic D. Rich Memorial Building. In 2011 Campbell University honored Dr. Ellerbe with the prestigious School of Education Lifetime Achievement Award. He loved being part of this Christian University where they begin programs with prayer, and where one was allowed to have a strong, personal relationship with God.

Ellerbe was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clayton where he served in numerous leadership positions. In his spare time, he loved wood carving in his shop, making countless figurines, crosses and nativity scenes for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Austin Ellerbe, daughter, Beth Ellerbe Hubbard (Robert), son, James Austin Ellerbe (Sarah), five grandchildren and three great-grand daughters.

The memorial service will be held Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 411 N Fayetteville St, Clayton, North Carolina 27520, followed by visitation at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Campbell University Opportunity Scholarship Fund or First Baptist Church of Clayton. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com for the Ellerbe family. Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.