Obituary - Jerry Douglas Harr
“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7
Jerry Douglas Harr, 70, Blountville, went to his eternal home to see his Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2015. He passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born in Blountville, Tennessee and lived his entire life on the Harr farm on Barr Road. He graduated from Blountville High School in 1963 and went on to play basketball and run cross country at Lees McRae. After graduating from Lees McRae, he attended and graduated from ETSU receiving both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. He was a Vietnam veteran and retired from the Sullivan County School System after 30 years of teaching and coaching. Coach Harr, as he was known by many, enjoyed basketball and was dedicated to coaching his players. His love of basketball was rivaled by his love of farming.
He was a member of Harmony Presbyterian Church, PCA, where he taught Sunday School, served as an elder, and volunteered in various other church roles for many years.
He was a loving and servant-hearted husband, father, and Papa to his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his wisdom, storytelling, and sense of humor. He was a man who was known by his Christ-like life and service to others.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Earl Harr and a brother, Clarence D. Harr.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Rebecca Boyd Harr and daughters Jill (Gordon) Rhyne of Powell, Tennessee and Ella (Virgil) Payne of Madison, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Molly and Jacob Rhyne and Anderson, Marry Harr, and Reve Payne and a grandchild expected in May; seven siblings, Lucille Winegar of Blountville, Willard Harr of Centreville, Maryland, Herman Harr of Blountville, Dale Harr of Kingsport, Sue Wagner of Blountville, Wayne Harr of Blountville, and Ann Mays of Blountville, sister-in-law, Dorothy Harr of Blountville; a special niece and nephew, Connie and Steve Jones of Blountville; several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Akard Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 8:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark Blalack officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the Blountville Cemetery, Blountville, Tennessee with military rites conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Ken Harr, Steve Jones, Carl Houser, Dennis Houser, Charlie Miller, Chris Shook, Gary Winegar, and Mark Winegar will serve as pallbearers. Sam Cox, Virgil Payne, Gordon Rhyne, and the men of Harmony Presbyterian Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Harmony Presbyterian Church, 2300 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660.
Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN. (423) 989-4800 is serving the family of Mr. Harr.