John Daniel Harmon, Sr.

September 25, 1919 - May 13, 2022

Saluda, SC John Harmon, Sr. John Daniel Harmon, Sr.,102, John Daniel Harmon Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 13th, 2022. Born in Saluda County and a son of the late Amos Harmon and Ethel Willis Harmon. John Daniel served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 30’s before the war started. He was sworn into the Army at Ft. Jackson in 1942. He spent time at Ft. Grant, Illinois, Ft. Picket, Virginia, Ft. McClellan, Alabama, Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi, Ft. Blanding, Florida until he was shipped out to Europe. He served as a medic in the 63rd Infantry Division, Company B. He drove an ambulance during the war and was very proud of his time in service. His division was recognized as the first soldiers to penetrate the infamous Siegfried Line in Germany. When the war ended, he returned home, and immediately went to work. He spent several years working with CW&C Railroad and later went to work for Eagle Construction where he served as a Project Superintendent for many years. Working at both jobs allowed him to travel all over the state of South Carolina and he has been in almost every town, city, and community in this state. And he had a story to tell about almost all of them. John Daniel lived all his life within a few miles of where he was born. He owned a small herd of cows until he was in his late 90’s. He and his wife farmed and always had several plentiful vegetable gardens and a beautiful yard filled with Dogwoods and Azaleas. John Daniel shared his mother’s love of flowers and shrubs. He knew the names of most native plants and flowers and shared many of his plants with neighbors, family and friends. He lived a full and respectful life. He was never flashy or loud; rumbustious or boisterous. He was a quiet but spunky man who loved to share his “stories” with whoever had time to sit and chat. From his first memories of dragging a straw hat around as a small boy to the excitement of a 102nd birthday party, John Daniel experienced and witnessed a multitude of inventions and changes in his lifetime. He was a walking, talking, living history book and those who were fortunate enough to hear a story or two are the wiser for it. Even at 102, his mind was always sharp and he could recall events from the early 20’s. He attended Hickory Grove School and was a member of the first graduating class at Hollywood School in Saluda, S.C. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. At the age of 102, he was recognized by the House and the Senate with Resolutions and was recognized at the local VFW Post. In 1948, John Daniel married a tall, thin, beautiful girl from Ward, South Carolina, Grace Louise Gentry. She moved into a small shanty car with him and then into a small two room house that she turned into a home. Soon after, they started a family. John Daniel lost his wife, Grace, in 2019, after several years of failing health. They were married a few months short of 71 years. He took amazing care of her as she suffered from congestive heart failure and numerous hospital stays. They are now standing hand in hand inside the gates of Heaven, along with their parents, siblings, and many friends that left this earth before them. John Daniel lived a simple life. He worked hard and provided well for his family. He helped neighbors whenever he could and loved his wife and children. He lived by one motto, “Don’t worry too much”. He experienced much adversity in his life, but he never gave up. He never even slowed down. He faced whatever he was dealt and kept on moving forward. Now he can sit, and rest, and enjoy the beauty of Heaven. Surviving are two sons, John Daniel Harmon, Jr. of Saluda and William "Billy" Harmon (Kim) of Prosperity, three daughters, Marie Harmon Wicker (Fred) of Little Mountain, Brenda Harmon Eidson (Jim) of Leesville and Teresa Harmon Pierce (Mack) of Gilbert, a brother, Counston Harmon of North Augusta, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Mr. Harmon was preceded in death by two brothers, Amos Harmon and Willis Harmon and two sisters, Beatrice Harmon and Flora Harmon Riley. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2022 at Bethany United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church social hall. Memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Clara Riley, 242 Bethany Church Rd., Saluda, SC 29138.