Steve Harmon Jr.

Steve Harmon Jr. (aka Jimmy) was affectionately known as Uncle Steve to all the young people that knew and loved him. Although Uncle Steve was a generous man, as many could count on his help during difficult times, he was no push over. I can hear his voice, “You better give me my money!” People knew to pay up quick! Steve loved many things but most of all he loved to eat soul food. He was very happy when his daughter prepared a plate of neck bones, greens, and cornbread for him to feast. She always remembered to feed him something sweet, especially sweet potato or apple pie. Steve loved to cook for himself as well. You could often find him preparing a pot of beans. While those beans simmered he might be at Rialtos betting on the dog races.

Steve was born and raised in Yantley, Alabama. His parents, Steve and Olivia Harmon, welcomed Steve into this world on December 24th, 1926. Steve spent his formative years in Alabama until he was inducted into the United States Army on August 25th, 1944. While in the Army he was stationed in the Pacific Theater where his MOS was as an Amphibious Truck Driver. His parents must have been proud of their independent, hardworking son. He remained independent and hardworking throughout his life. His hard work in service to our nation is attested to through his many honors; which include the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with Bronze star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Philippine Independence Ribbon, Army of Occupation Ribbon (Japan), Victory Ribbon and two Overseas Service Bars. Steve received an Honorable Discharge in September of 1946. Following his stint in the Army, he began a career at Tektronix where he remained until his retirement in the early nineties’.

Steve ascended into heaven a few weeks before his 86th birthday. He spent his final days at home surrounded by his loving daughter and grandchildren. Steve lived a long life filled with many accomplishments. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Steve Sr. and Olivia Harmon, as well as his siblings Jessie Harmon and Katie Harmon. He leaves to celebrate his memory daughters: Ashli Harmon and Carrie Collins; sons: Henry Collins and Billy Collins; grandchildren: Jaliyah Jointer, Josiah Jointer, Amari Winston, Treyshawn Holland, Antonio Scott, Michael Collins, Domaneka Brown, Isaac Thomas-Smith, Adron Collins, Marcus Collins and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members. May our loving father and grandfather rest in heavenly peace.

Though he is gone now, he will never be forgotten as he was truly a man’s man. He will be remembered as a voracious reader, a man with a keen sense of humor, one who would hold no punches and would always let you know what was on his mind.

Bethesda Church and Inurnment at Willamette National Cemetery.