WRAL.com: Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville

Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:

9:23 a.m. • 5-21-13

72°F

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

Today: Thunderstorm.
- Hi: 82° F
Wed: Thunderstorm.
- Hi: 84° F
Thu: Thunderstorm.
- Hi: 80° F

Other Locations

7 Day Forecast

Posted: January 20, 2010

Former Hillside High principal dead at 51

Earl Pappy, former Hillside High principal in Durham

Site Search

Durham, N.C. — Former Hillside High School principal Earl Pappy, 51, died over the weekend, according to current Principal Hans Lassiter.

The cause of his death was not released. Pappy resigned as principal last June. At the time, school officials declined to elaborate on the move, citing personnel privacy rules.

Durham Public Schools hired him in 2006 after he spent four years as a high school principal in Richmond, Va.

He had improved student performance in Richmond, and Durham officials said they saw his no-nonsense, goal-oriented approach as the path to improving Hillside High.

A state judge has threatened for years to shut down the Durham school because of poor student performance.

Web Editor: Kelly Hinchcliffe

Get News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone

9 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 9 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments.

Latest Comments

I graduated with Earl Pappy from Garner Senior High School in 1977 and we grew up together in Garner. Earl was one of my favorite friends, always stood out with those gorgeous eyes, wit and that great sense of humor. I was so saddened to hear of his passing yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a wonderful mentor and principal for the young people and touched many lives. WE LOVE YOU EARL - ALWAYS IN OUR HEART - TIL WE MEET AGAIN.

SisterChristian
January 21, 2010 5:14 p.m.

I think Earl Pappy grad from Garner 1977. I went to school with him. He was a really nice guy. He had the best since of humor I remember. Was friends with everybody.

Nana4lou
January 21, 2010 11:44 a.m.

Death Row seems to be fuzzy on a lot of facts. Just seems to have a lot of opinions.

miseem
January 20, 2010 6:58 p.m.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. My daughter was a student there while he was there. He was a wonderful person. Alot of kids loved him. He treated them like his own child. He will truely be missed.