The legacy of “Carolina Beach Santa” lives on through a house of healing

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — It’s been nearly two months since the death of Harry Buie, known as Carolina Beach Santa.

After he died, his home was left in the care of the nonprofit Pleasure Island Habitat, which is planning to uniquely continue Harry’s legacy.

Holly Sutton has been Harry’s neighbor since 2017.

She said Harry was the heart and soul of the area.

“Harry was family, Harry turned into family,” Sutton said. “Harry was Atlanta Avenue. He came to all of my little boy’s birthday parties. My dad picked him up every single day and took him to the community center to get a free lunch.”

In the coming months, Pleasure Island Habitats will make repairs and improvements to the interior and exterior of Harry’s house.

Debra Lecompte is a board member for Pleasure Island Habitat.

She explained how Harry’s House will be used once work is completed.

“We’ll be using the house to host Wounded Warriors, folks who are here for Ocean Cure, like Life Rolls on, Little Pink Houses of Hope, Make a Wish Foundation,” Lecompte said. “So basically, for anyone who is here for respite, for whatever reason will have a house available so they can use it.”

Some of the changes will include appliances, furniture, beds, floors and making the bathroom more accessible for people with disabilities.

For Sutton, she said this will continue Harry’s legacy of love and community.

“We’re gonna get to see all of these families be able to go to the beach, be able to experience things that they would never be able to experience. Harry is going to live through this, he’s always going to be in our hearts, but he’s, he’s going, I mean this is Harry’s home, this is Harry’s House and it will forever give.”

A pear tree was planted in front of Harry’s House when it was completed, and Pleasure Island Habitat plans to plant another one in the backyard.

The organization hopes to have the improvements done to the house by the fall.

Additionally, a celebration of life for Harry at the house is expected to be held soon.