James Reid Harkey Jr.

James Reid Harkey, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on August 8, one day before his 60th birthday after a five year battle with cancer. Never one to give up, Reid became a student of his disease and got himself into the best shape of his life, using every means available in a valiant fight that surely allowed him more time on earth with the people he loved, to do the things he loved doing.

Reid is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bonnie and his daughter Taylor of the home, brothers Rodney, Jeffrey, and Ryan all of Charlotte.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James R. Sr. and Myrle ("Robbie") Harkey, and his brother, Jackie.

As a boy growing up in Matthews, Reid and his family were fixtures in the community, known by all, especially on the athletic fields at Arthur Goodman Park where Reid excelled as a third basemen and went on to play baseball and basketball at Carmel Academy and Charlotte Country Day School.

After attending his beloved alma mater Alabama where he joined the Kappa Sig Fraternity, Reid returned to Charlotte to join the family business, Renfrow Tile, for more than 20 years before opening Harkey Tile and Stone with brother Jeffrey. Reid held multiple positions on the board of NARI for many years including Charlotte Chapter President.

Reid cherished his employees and customers, treating both like family. He took pride in delivering excellence and fairness in every business transaction, and his floors and countertops can be found in many homes and businesses in Mecklenburg County and beyond.

In 1992 Reid was reluctantly coerced by a buddy to attend Line Dancing Lesson Night at a Country Music nightclub in Charlotte where met the love of his life, Bonnie Heakins of Pittsburgh, who from that day forward tirelessly devoted her life to being a wife to Reid and a mother to Taylor, who made their family complete with her arrival 1997. Reid adored Taylor in that special way Daddy's love daughters, and spent countless hours in Y Guides and coached her softball and basketball teams to championships in both sports, multiple seasons.

A world traveler, Reid, Bonnie and Taylor made multiple trips to Italy, Spain and the Caribbean Islands but spent most of their travel budget on the destination that mattered most: Alabama football games. The Harkey family attended more than five National Championship Games and enjoyed at least four of them.

As a philanthropist, Reid made significant untold donations to various worthy causes that most of his closest friends weren't even aware of. Reid and Bonnie funded construction of the Upper School Corridor at Charlotte Christian Academy in honor of Reid's late father, Jimmy.

Reid was a man of faith, a beloved husband, adored father, dutiful son and brother, exceptional athlete, successful businessman, a lover of dogs, but most of all, Reid was a friend. He opened his home and his wallet to help anyone in need. If you knew Reid, you knew that signature smile he always wore, that said "What, me worry?" To his lifelong friends, Reid was their leader and the life of the party, which earned him his nickname "The Boy King." His philosophy was always "the more the merrier" as evidenced by the countless celebrations, wakes, and parties he and Bonnie hosted at their home of more than 25 years.

His skill with the grill was legendary, he hosted guests with ease, and could entertain from sunrise to sundown on Saturday night and still make it in time for church or golf on Sunday morning. He could converse equally well with a CEO or the garbage man and treated both with the same respect, but in truth may have respected the garbage man a little more.

Reid was fearless in every challenge he faced, including cancer. His attitude was never "why me?" but instead, "why not me?" He believed if we are willing to accept all the good moments in life, we must also accept the difficult ones. He left this world without regret, knowing he lived a charmed life, and knowing how dearly he was loved by so many people. He was a Man's man, ruggedly handsome, hilarious, fun loving, and tough as nails, but he had a sweet and compassionate side when needed. His family and friends do not weep with sadness because he is gone from our lives, we shed tears of joy for being blessed to have him here on earth as long as we did. Roll Tide.

Service to be held Saturday, August 26,2023 receiving line at 10am followed by a 12 noon service at Sardis Presbyterian, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to The Make a Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Special Olympics.

**Any floral arrangements should be delivered directly to Sardis Presbyterian.