Donnie “Don” L. Harmon, 69, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. Harmon was born in Banner Elk, N.C., on July 9, 1946. He was the son of the late Raymond J. Harmon and Mae Lambert Harmon. He was raised in the Southside Community of Elizabethton.
Mr. Harmon was a member of First Christian Church of Elizabethton, Tenn. He was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He graduated from Elizabethton High School, Class of 1964, and East Tennessee State University. He was a proud veteran, having served his country during the Korean DMZ War of 1966-1969. To say that he was an “avid UT fan” would be an understatement.
Don loved his God, his country and his family. He walked quietly through our lives and was to us, a giant among men. Along the way, he touched us with his kindness, gentleness and a compassionate spirit. He was hardworking, friendly, humble, fun and easy-going, but passionate about issues close to him. He possessed a Christ-like spirit, helping others and encouraging them in any way he could. He spoke not a word of judgment against others, instead choosing to see the good in all. He himself did not claim to be a perfect man, but was secure in his salvation and eternal reward.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jimmy R. Harmon.
Survivors are his wife, Elizabeth Archer Harmon; his daughter, Leanne Harmon, of Minneola, Fla.; and his son, John Harmon, and his wife, Connie, of Johnson City. He is also survived by his only sister, Judy Campbell, and her husband, Bob, of Johnson City. He deeply loved his brothers and sisters-in-law; his two aunts and one uncle and their children. He was deeply respected by the Taylor family, aunts and cousins of his wife. His faithful companion, Oliver, his cat, will miss him.
He ended a long, professional career in 2008 and became a caregiver to two special friends, Shawn Hamby and Bradley Parks, whom he loved. He says goodbye to his special “fishing buddies,” Drew Pearson and Adam Menyhay, leaving them to “catch the big one.”
The family pays special tribute to Peggy Meredith, and her children, Vera and Leo, at Meredith Valley Farms. Also, Dr. Richard McDavid of Mountain Home and Alysson Hutto, FNP, and the staff at Family Physicians of Johnson City.
The memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, Elizabethton, Tenn., at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, with Mr. John Smith and Mr. Michael Klaus, ministers, officiating. A eulogy will be delivered by Mr. Sam Harmon. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. Following the memorial service, Mr. Harmon will be buried with full military honors at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be William Taylor Jr., Robert Archer, Jeff Vines, Sam Harmon, Wayne Harmon, Joe Harmon, Shane Lambert, David Archer and Stanley Bailey. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Campbell, Steve Pearson, George Lambert, J.T. Hubbard and Larry Weaver. It was his wish for donations to be made to the building fund of First Christian Church, Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude Hospital/Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Harmon family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.