Ret. Major Edward M. Harkness, age 66

Ret. Major Edward M. Harkness, age 66, of Mooresboro, NC, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013.

Born June 23, 1947 in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Darrell and Kathryn Harkness.  He was a graduate of Penn State University, class of 1968 and was a retired Major in the US Army.  Edward was a veteran of the Vietnam War and after retiring worked as a contractor with Logitec for many years.  He had a passion for woodworking and will be known for his grand sense of humor, his comprehensive knowledge of “almost” everything and his ability to make strangers feel welcome.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Craig Harkness.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Harkness; daughter, Tracy Sue Short and husband, Bill of Forest City; son, Michael Andrew Harkness and wife, Kristie of Spindale; three step-sons, Mitchell Sherwood of Mooresboro, Scott Goodman of Boise, Idaho and David Goodman of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; step-daughter, Kristal Goodman of Mooresboro; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Adrianne and Madison Harkness, Adam, Emily and Elaina Short.

A private family service will be conducted on a later date.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC or the Rutherford County Humane Society, PO Box 998, Rutherfordton, NC  28139.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.