Frederick Maurice Harmon

April 23, 1924 - October 12, 2015

HARMON, FREDERICK MAURICE Frederick Maurice Harmon, 91 of Riner, passed from this world on Monday, October 12, 2015 with family by his side. He was a former resident of the Poages Mill area of Roanoke County from 1952 to 2011. Fred was born in Floyd on April 23, 1924. Fred was a member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church in Roanoke, and was a Master Mason, being a Masonic Veteran of Cave Spring Lodge No. 230 of the Grand Lodge. He was a loving and devoted husband for over 70 years, and a caring father and grandfather who always put his family first. While he was able, he loved cutting wood on his farm in Check, VA. He was a good and kind man who made many friends and brought a smile to many faces. He was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. He loved feeding and watching the birds, and recognized each bird by its song. He will be remembered by many who enjoyed rock hopping with him on Back Creek. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 on 2/14/1942. He was commissioned on the U.S.S. Alabama 8/16/1942 and completed Navy Training Class for Boatswain’s Mate Second Class on 7/18/1944. He received his honorable discharge on 10/24/1945. He worked for Shepherds’s Auto Supply in Roanoke, and later the General Electric Company in Salem from 1956–1985, where for many years he ran the GE employee store. He is preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Stanley Bea Lawrence Harmon; daughter, Fredrica Harmon Roberts; parents, Edgar Allen and Mary Slusher Harmon; brothers, Norman Harmon, Marvin Harmon and Richard Harmon; sisters, Pauline Weeks, Senora Caldwell Keith, and Lucille Lee; and Nephew, Phil Weeks. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Stephana (Stacy) and Hubert Barton of Riner; his special son, Chetley Bea Harmon of Christiansburg; grandchildren, Travis Barton, Derwood MD, Matthew (Jen Ingles) Barton, Charlotte NC, Carole (Will) Carvajal, Forest VA, and Emily (Keith) Pyle, Forest VA; great-children, Isaac and Sophia Barton, Charlotte, NC; Andrew, Adam and Aidan Carvajal, Forest, VA, and Ericka and Nathan Pyle, Forest VA; brother, James (Hilda) Harmon of Floyd VA; and special nephews and nieces, Mary Frances Huff, Mildred Weddle, Joe Caldwell, Sandra Davis, Sunny Popp, Jamie Harmon, Cappy Spangler, Jolee Crawford, Alan Harman, Jeannette Wade, Joan Janney, Patty St. Johns, Lyle Wimmer and Rene Wimmer. Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd has been entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2015 from 11:00-12:00 at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd. The Memorial Service will immediately follow, officiated by Pastor Darren Landon. Interment will follow at Wilson Cemetery in Check. The family extends special thanks to the physicians and nursing staff at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center for their compassion and excellent care, with special thanks to Galaspa Duck for his care and direction. Online condolences may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com

My deepest sympathy to the family of Fred Harmon. Fred worked for me in GE for 7years. He was one of the finest people I have ever known He was a caring person with matchless integrity. I have lost a wonderful friend whose memory will always be cherished by me. Thank you Fred for all the wonderful times we had together at GE.

It is such a sadness to give up my brother-in-law. He's been a part of our family for so many years. When he was serving in the US Navy during WWII, I was a little girl and I wrote to him all the time. He and my sister were a happy couple for many years, and I love their children like my own. May he rest in peace. Sending my love and prayers to all the family, and especially to Stephana and Hubert, who have done so much--and assumed so much responsibility--for our family.