J.D. Harmon

Jefferson Davis "JD" Harmon went to be with his heavenly father in paradise Wednesday, July 19, 2017, with his family by his side. "JD" was the eldest son of Homer and Nellie Jane Edmondson Harmon and was born June 19, 1925. JD was a short-term resident of Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center for less than 4 months. He married Marie Griffin on January 1, 1948; they ran away to Rossville Georgia with his sister Mercedes and her fiancee' Odra Beeler to get hitched out of state on New Year's Day. JD professed testimony of salvation at an early age. He is a member of Sunrise Missionary Baptist for over 50 years serving as deacon and trustee. JD was a long-time member of Claiborne County Rescue Squad. He also participated as one of the "whittlers" at Anders' Car lot, one of the McDonald's morning coffee crew, as well as a knife trader on Thursday evening. He was one of the construction builders for Donlin Sportswear, as well as a spreader and cutter; he also worked at Signal Knitting Mill after Donlin closed. JD retired from the Claiborne Landfill where he drove a truck and collected many, many treasures. JD was known for his whittling and trading everything from knives, guns, pocket watches and even a horse now and then. He loved his dogs, Miss Dolly Madison, a black and white boston terrior, as well as Bitsy, a gray miniature schnauzer, and many more too numerous to name. He and Marie enjoyed going to Gospel singings, especially the Primitives and Inspirations, as well as traveling with the Sunrise Youth Choir to many, many different churches in the 70's and 80's. Preceded in death by loving wife, Marie Griffin Harmon; infant daughter, Deborah; parents, Homer and Nellie Jane Edmondson Harmon; stepmother, Ruth Maddox Harmon; brother, Tommy Harmon; sister, Wanda Cole, and husband Hollis; sister, Gonyou Hardin and husband Hugh; brother-in-laws Odra Beeler, Clay Neely, Lee Griffin and nephew, Mark Cole. Survived by Daughter, Sharron and husband, Rev. Larry A. Beeler, of New Tazewell, TN. Grandson Tim Beeler and wife, Miriah of Powell, TN and special Great Granddaughter, Marlie Gwen Beeler. Sisters, Mercedes Beeler, New Tazewell and Santa Faye Neely, Knoxville, TN; Sister-in-law, Sylvia Harmon, New Tazewell, TN; Brother-in-law, Paul (Juanita) Griffin, New Tazewell, TN and a host of nieces and nephews. Also special friend Bronnell Gulley along with special friend and caregiver Christine McGeorge. Also Ashley Carroll, and all the other employees of Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center. The family will receive friends Friday, July 21, 2017 from 5PM until 7PM with funeral services to follow at 7PM in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Griffin and the Rev. Jimmy Poore officiating. Music will be provided by Willing Hearts. Family and friends will meet Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10AM in the Burch Cemetery for graveside services. Pallbearers: Les Rodgers, Derek Drummonds, Lynn McGeorge Robert Minton, Barry Davis and Todd Harmon Honorary Pallbearers: Deacons and Trustees of Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church. Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.