Harry Hodges Semmes, Jr., 94, died of Alzheimer’s on July 6, 2014 at Buckingham's Choice where he had moved after 50 years of living in Potomac.
The long-time resident, who founded and operated Semmes & Co. from 1960-2002, was active in the community as Master of the Potomac Hunt Club, 1973 to 1979; board member emeritus at Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity which established a H.H. Semmes volunteer award in his honor, and founding member of St. Francis Church in Potomac. He led the drive to install bells in the church steeple.
He was born in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 1, 1919. He served as First Lieutenant, Cavalry Tank Unit Commander, Marshall and Mariana islands, He was wounded in Saipan, June 1944. He received the Distinguished Service Cross in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the Naval Presidential Unit Citation. His military service ended September 1945.
He was a passionate horseman. He and his horse Suncastle were the leading point-to-point rider in the Seven Corners series in 1966 and awarded the Martini Rossi Trophy.
A service and interment was held at St. Francis Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Montgomery County, 9110 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.