Obituary of Gale Harmon

Gale Harmon, age 87, of Ward Mountain Road, Elk Park, passed away Thursday evening, November 19, 2015 at his home. Born April 10, 1928 in Avery County, he was a son of Will Jacob and Birdie Ward Harmon. Gale was a member of Beech Valley Baptist Church. He was a true pioneer who kept many mountain traditions alive, including making molasses and processing open fire apple butter. A farmer all his life, Gale truly enjoyed tobacco farming and raising cattle. Mr. Harmon is survived by three brothers, Ted Harmon of Elk Park, Bill Harmon and wife, Joann of Sugar Grove and Ewing Harmon and wife, Frances, of Vilas; sister-in-law, Sue Harmon of Butler, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored him. Gale is also survived by a host of special friends, including Kenneth Hicks, Rick Harmon, and caregivers, Pam Harmon and Valerie Combs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Will Jacob and Birdie Ward Harmon; sisters, Nannie Norris and June Weaver; and his brother, Clint Harmon. Funeral services for Gale Harmon will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 22, 2015 at 2:30 at Beech Valley Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Bill Warren and Rev. Quincy Norris. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1 until 2:30, prior to services, at Beech Valley Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow at the Harmon Family Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, to the Fall Creek Fire Department #2, 2525 Buckeye Road, Elk Park, NC 28622, or to a charity of the donor�s choice. Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harmon family.