Tim was born August 11, 1943 in Durham to Thomas Melvin Harward and Nannie Melvin Harward. He was raised by his foster parents, Margaret and Rueben Wilder. He grew up in Raleigh and Zebulon.He attended Wakelon High School in Zebulon and Oak Ridge Military Academy in Greensboro before entering the National Guard.
Tim was always the life of the party. He never turned down time with friends, a good drink, and a laugh. He loved adventure; from driving his yellow Corvette at Daytona Motor Speedway, white water rafting down the Grand Canyon, riding horses across the Continental Divide, hiking Hadrian’s Wall through England, swimming with stingrays in the Cayman Islands, climbing Machu Picchu at the age of 74. He lived his dreams to the fullest and took advantage of every opportunity to experience new things.
Tim was an active member of the commercial construction industry in Raleigh for over 50 years. He was passionate about his involvement in the Professional Construction Estimators Association and served many roles, including both Triangle Chapter President and National President. He was awarded The Rudy Barnes Award in 1991 and was a member of the Order of the Isosceles.
He began Mid Atlantic Specialties in 1994 and was still active in the business until his death.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Diane, for 42 years. They built a home and life together surrounded by family, friends, and love. They were lucky to travel the world together, making friends everywhere they went, and creating a lifetime of priceless memories.
Tim was a dedicated and proud dad to his daughter Tracy and son Tommy. He supported them in their careers, families, and all aspects of their lives. He loved them unconditionally and never let them forget that.
His favorite role was that of Grandpa Tim to his grandchildren Grant (14), Charlotte (9), and Preston (2). From movie dates to shopping trips, recitals, events, beach trips, walks, and sleepovers, his grandchildren were his pride and joy and he showed them every chance he got.
He is preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, and his daughter, Christy Harward.
Tim is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter Tracy Harward Jones (Nick) of Sanford, son Thomas “Tommy” Melvin Harward III (Bonnie) of Rolesville, grandchildren Thomas Grant Harward, Charlotte Josephine Harward, and Preston Thomas Jones, as well as many extended family members.
A private service will take place on Wednesday, February 3rd at 1:00 at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family invites all friends to attend the service through livestream, you may do so within "join livestream" below.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PCEA Tim Harward Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 18701, Raleigh, NC 27619. Checks should be made out to PCEA with a notation in the memo section Tim Harward Memorial Scholarship.
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