Dr. Harold T. Luce, resident of Hattiesburg since 1987, died peacefully at his home on the evening of Tuesday, December 21 with much of his family at his side. Born October 14, 1930 to Ruth M. (DeWees) and Ernest S. Luce in Mosca, Colorado. He grew up in the southwestern part of the United States, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Music Theory from Florida State University in 1958.

His professional career as a music educator led him to academic and administrative positions at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Ohio State University, Texas Tech University, culminating with his appointment as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, from 1987 to 1996.

In addition to an illustrious professional career highlighted by numerous awards and election to leadership positions in several local, regional and national organizations, he spent much of his time in service to activities of the Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. There, he served for many years as a Sunday School Class teacher as well as on the Board of Directors for the Aldersgate Mission.

Recreational interests included travel with is wife Paula, sailboat racing with his sons, and for the last several years, his active involvement in the local amateur radio operators club.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; his sons, Ernest and David; stepdaughter, Lezli Thompson; his brother, Samuel; eight grandchildren; and his first wife, Evelyn.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Southern Mississippi Orchestra scholarship fund, to the Texas Tech University School of Music, or to the music ministry at Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg.