Joseph Harold Capps, 87, of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 22, 1938 in Mullins, South Carolina. His family moved to Myrtle Beach when he was a young child.
As a child Harold and his older brother Clyde had family, God and a strong work ethic instilled in them that only grew as they did. Harold was a straight-A student, Eagle Scout at age 15, Captain of the football team and was voted Best All Around in his Myrtle Beach High School senior superlatives class of 1956. He worked through high school in the family business and as a lifeguard. He was beloved by all that knew him even then and that continued through his life as the number of friends he still has is a testament to. He went on to study at the Citadel and graduated in 1960, all while still dating his first and only love, Patty.
Harold married Patty Hart on August 7, 1960 and they left weeks later to serve 8 years in the army. While stationed in France, they enjoyed what they called their “three year honeymoon” there and were able to travel throughout Europe, making lifelong friends along the way. After returning stateside they continued to enjoy the military life, stationed in Texas and Virginia as he continued to climb the ranks and was awarded numerous medals for outstanding service. He was deployed to Vietnam for a year of combat service before returning to Myrtle Beach to build their forever home in1968 where they raised their children and lived out their lives. Everyone knew the Capps’ home on the corner where Harold was always tinkering with his boat or working in the yard and Patty was always cooking or baking.
He and Patty loved each other, their children and grandchildren fiercely and anyone that spoke to them for any time heard stories of their family because that was their pride and joy.
Harold was an usher at Ocean View Baptist Church for over 50 years. He loved to serve others and Christ throughout his life.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Hart Capps of Myrtle Beach. He is survived by his son, Dr. Hal Capps and wife Sherri Capps, of Myrtle Beach, his daughter Jill Morgan and husband Dr. Thad Morgan, of Lake Mary, FL; grandchildren J. Reed Truslow, Esquire, of New York City, NY, Haley Kathryn Capps of Charlotte, NC and Emily H. Capps of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by his big brother, R. Clyde Capps, Jr, of Myrtle Beach, nieces and a nephew.
There will be visitation at 10am on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach with a memorial service to follow at 11am. A private burial will follow in Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans organization at help.DAV.org