'Almost like losing a parent:' Durham mayor remembers Southern High band director who recently died

Durham is remembering a beloved band director who died over the weekend.

Harry Stokes had been band director at Southern High School since 2014. A cause of death was not provided.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams met Stokes when they were in college. Both were in their college bands, at North Carolina Central and Elizabeth City State respectively. He says they continued a friendship through the years. 

When Williams stint as Southern band director ended, he hand-picked Stokes as his successor. 

“When it was time for me to leave, my principal, Kenneth Barnes said ‘You go and replace yourself. Find someone that you think you'll treat this program right,’” Williams said.

He said that’s when he knew Stokes would be the perfect fit.

“He accepted and he's been there ever since,” Williams said.

He says the two shared the same philosophy when it comes to teaching.

“It's all about creating good individuals and good humans,” he said. “That is the approach that we took to running our band programs. And he did that. So his legacy would be filled with love and care for these kids.”

Williams said Stokes' death is a major loss in the band community.

“I can tell you right now, losing a band director to band kids is almost like losing a parent. That is the bond that is shared,” he said. “I know the kids are having a rough time right now. The students that I handed over to him are having a rough time right now, and they are adults.”

Southern High School Principal Brandon Hodges sent a statement to parents and families about Stokes' passing.

Counseling resources are available to students and staff this week.