February 27, 1917 – March 23, 2013
Date of Service: March 27, 2013
Section: Christus Garden
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days and long life and peace, they shall add to thee.” Prov. 31-2.
Raymond James Harmon, age 96, passed away peacefully into eternity on Saturday morning, March 23, 2013, at the home of his daughter, Judy Campbell, Johnson City, TN.
Mr. Harmon was born February 27, 1917, in the Poga area of Avery County, North Carolina, to Samuel Harmon and Elizabeth Ann “Betsy Ann” Church Harmon. He was a former resident of the Southside Community of Elizabethton for most of his life. He had resided in Johnson City since 2004.
Mr. Harmon was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Mae Lambert Harmon, March 12, 2007; and a son, Jimmy Ray Harmon, January 1, 1985. He was also preceded in death by 8 brothers, Avery, Ephraim, Russell, Wiley, Lester, Butler, Wilburn and Floyd Harmon; and six sisters, Stella Ford, Verna Castner, Buna Carter, Mae Fuller, Ethel Stout and Beatrice Harmon, who died in infancy.
He is survived by his daughter, Judy Campbell and beloved son-in-law, Bobby Campbell, of Johnson City; a son, Donnie Harmon and wife, Elizabeth, of Johnson City; two grandchildren, Leanne Harmon, of Mineola, FL, and John Harmon, of Johnson City, TN. He leaves behind two dear sisters-in-law, Selma Vines and Mattie Lewis; and brother-in-law, George Lambert and wife, Jessie Lee, of Butler. Mr. Harmon was blessed with 59 cousins and many nieces and nephews who survive him with their children and grandchildren.
“Uncle Raymond” will be missed by this extensive family for his gentle nature, the twinkle in his eyes, sweet smile and gift for song. He never lacked for a joke or story to tell.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1936 until 1939 in the 64th Regiment, Coastal Artillery with an overseas assignment in Hawaii. He retired from the Processing and Distribution Department at VA Mountain Home, Tn., in 1980 after 30 years of service.
He loved bowling and working crossword puzzles. Having been raised on a large farm, his love for the land never left him. As long as he was able, he enjoyed growing and preserving God’s bounty from the earth.
Mr. Harmon was a member of the Elizabethton Church of Christ for over 60 years, serving as an Elder for 50 of those years. He love his Lord and was blessed with a long life to faithfully serve Him. His presence and Christian example will be missed in his church home.
The family wished to express gratitude to a special niece, Kim Ray, and her husband, Mark, for their devotion and care of Mr. Harmon over the last 6 years.
The family will receive friends at Elizabethton Church of Christ on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, from 5 PM until 7 PM with the service to follow at 7 PM with Mr. Roby Ellis, Minister officiating. The family remembrance will be given by his nephew, Sam Harmon. Music will be provided by the church congregational singing.
Graveside interment will be at Happy Valley Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 10 AM. Full military honors to be accorded by Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Bobby Campbell, John Harmon, Mark Ray, Joe Harmon, George Ellis and Willie Holtsclaw. Honorary pallbearers will be men of the Elizabethton Church of Christ. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are ask to meet at the Elizabethton Church of Christ at 9:15 AM on Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabethton Church of Christ, 137 East C Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or the Oncology Department, Mountain States Foundation, 2335 Knob Creek Road, Ste., 101, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements for the Harmon Family.
Online condolence may be sent to the family via our web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com Phone: 423-542-2232.
