Dr. William Joe Joseph Harkins

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edwina and parents, William and Carrie. Edwina and Joe were married 63 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol Endris, Patricia Harkins-Pierre, two sons, Bill and Ned Harkins, seven grand children, and two great grand children. Joe was an excellent athlete and scholar while growing up in Massachusetts.

He graduated from Colgate University before enlisting in the Army in 1943. As a private in the 7th Regiment of the 3d Infantry Division, he survived the landing at Anzio beach in Jan of 1944, but was severely wounded during the pursuit of the German Army toward Rome. Joe met his wife in Atlanta while undergoing rehabilitation for his injuries. They were married within six months of their initial, blind, date. He worked for the Veteran's Administration while attending Emory University, graduating with a PhD and Atlanta Law School, graduating with a law degree. He taught political science at Georgia Tech, Emory University, Gonzaga University and Western Kentucky University before settling his family in Mobile and teaching at the University of South Alabama from 1969 - 1991. He was well known in the state of Alabama as an expert on state and local government. He was very active in the Cottage Hill Civitan Club, in Mobile. After retiring from USA, Dr. Harkins became energetically involved in St. Dominic's Parish. He devoted much of his time in visiting parishioners who were unable to leave their homes.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Dominic's Church at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1P.M. on Tuesday at the church. Internment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Dominic's Church, 4156 Burma Road, Mobile, AL 36693.