HARTHORNE NATHANIEL WINGO

Obituary For HARTHORNE NATHANIEL WINGO

Harthorne “Wingy” Nathaniel Wingo, the only Polk County Native to ever play in the N.B.A. Was part of the integrated class at Tryon High School. He also went to Emond Embury School. Following his graduation from Tryon, Wingo attended Friendship College for a year. After college, he played for a Spartanburg Textile League before heading to New York where he then made his mark at a now famous playground at Rucker’s Park in New York City.

Harthorne was named one of the 50th Greatest to take part in Ruckers ProLeague. In 1970, Wingo was offered to play for the Harlem Wizards, which led to his contract with the Allentown Jets of Eastern League. He led Allentown to a title during the 1971-1972 season and earned his team M.V.P. February 1, 1973 when he signed his first N.B.A contract. He played 212 games with the Knicks. Wingo won his first Championship in 1973. He started off as a benched player with an unusual name. Fans at Madison Square Garden would shout Wing-o, Wing-o, Wing-o when he came into the game. He was a fan favorite throughout his time in New York City. He would immortalized in Beastie Boys song “Lay It On Me” (My favorite New York Knicks player was Harthorne Wingo). He played four seasons with the Knicks before continuing his professional career playing ball in Italy, Switzerland, and South America before retiring.

While playing overseas he traveled throughout Italy, Europe, Spain, France, Bucharest, Romania. His team won the Euro and was the first Italian team to go back to back; which is the second best record in Europe and the First Cup of Champions. After retiring in 1983 he resided in New York. He loved watching sports on T.V. and hanging out at Dunkin Donuts with friends.

Harthorne was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Nathaniel Harthorne and Mrs. Jessie Mae Gary Wingo, Brothers: Charles Gary and James Harris. Sisters: Betty Jean Vance Littlejohn, Naomi Wingo Palmer, Carolyn Diane Baxter, Laura Ann Wingo Baxter, Janet Marie Wingo Davis, Tina Wingo, and Sybil Ratliff.

Harthorne is survived by his sister Rosemary Wingo Palmer and two brothers McDonald Wingo (Pattis) and Mr. Nathaniel Shields (Geraldine). A special aunt: Alma Sykes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. And a very special and close friend David Gulstone.

SERVICE: VIEWING FROM 1-3 ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2021 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 2:00 P.M. Memorial Service and Burial Good Shepard Cemetery Tryon, NC 28782