Archie Durham

Archie Durham, a lifelong North Carolinian and longtime resident of Greensboro, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022, at 78 years of age after an extended illness.

Archie is survived by his wife, Barbara Dezern Durham; their daughters, Amanda Durham and Alison Durham Harrison and her husband Bradley and their daughters, Savannah and Charlotte. He is also survived by his siblings, Clarice Durham Jones and her husband Roy, Doni Durham Webster, Ida Durham Pharr and her husband Jimmy, and Franklin Durham and his partner Sue, as well as extended family.

Archie was born in Pittsboro, N.C., on May 11, 1943, to Vernon Durham and Eula Cooper Durham. He graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1961 and spent the next 50 years as a mainstay in the Carolina beach music scene, and was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame on two different occasions. He loved performing, including as a founding member of the Castaways, Black and Blue, the Four Winds, the Originals, and the Holiday band. He was also a member of bands such as the Jokers, the Sabres, and the Tornadoes.

In later years, Archie expanded his talents, including as a Roy Orbison impersonator at the Barn Dinner Theater and in multiple shows with the Community Theater of Greensboro. He also sang for several years in the gospel group Glory Road. He also checked off a big “bucket list” item by recording three original songs in Nashville.

Archie was a devoted husband, father, and churchgoer. He enjoyed all types of music and instilled his love of it in both of his daughters. A talented musician, he gave freely of his talents, singing at dozens of parties, weddings, and funerals, but most enjoyed the many years he spent as a soloist and member of the choir at Mt Pisgah UMC. He adored his family and was never happier than when gathered around a table with them. He was especially proud of his granddaughters and was overjoyed to be their “Poppa.” A kind man who never met a stranger, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2nd at 2 PM at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro, NC.  A reception will follow at the church.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 9th at 1 PM at Bynum United Methodist Cemetery, US 15-501, Pittsboro, NC.  

An informal jam session and celebration of Archie's life will follow at 4 PM at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane (off Highway 64), Pittsboro, NC. Please share memories and RSVP for the celebration in the "Remembering Archie Durham" Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/rememberingarchiedurham/