William "Curly" Carlton Harman, Jr.

A life well lived unexpectedly ended on 22 April 2023.  William “Curly” Harman Jr. was 79 when he was discovered unresponsive in his bed the morning after passing in his sleep. Predeceased by his father: William Carlton Harman Sr,  his mother: Reva Faye Pipes Harman, and brother: Kent Harman. He will be sorely missed and is survived by furry best friend: Titan, daughters: Michelle Lynn Harman Hinson and Rhonda Renee Hylton, son-in-law: Timothy Stephen Hinson, granddaughter: Ashlynn Louise Hinson, grandson: William Stephen Hinson, brothers: David Harman and Ron Harman, chosen family: Mike and Sheila Satcher and Janie Nebl, and many many other beloved extended family members and friends.

Curly had been residing at a rehabilitation facility following the amputation of his left leg just below the knee preceded 3 weeks prior by the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Although he lived with diabetes for the last 3 decades, had a quadruple bypass and pacemaker to improve the function of his heart, received successful radiation treatment for prostate cancer, and survived a mild stroke with minimal lasting side effects, evidence of an increased impact of diabetes on his health had become more evident. What began with random numbness in his legs and an occasional stumble or fall a few years ago progressed to the removal of toes this past winter. Even after fighting through all that, Curly’s last day of life brought him great joy. The day before his death, he took his first steps on his BRAND NEW prosthetics. He found hope in his recently re-acquired mobility and was looking forward to returning to a life of independence. This was especially important to him since the last thing he ever wanted was to be a burden on others.

Curly’s pride in being one of the first Human Resources Executives at multiple electronics firms in Silicon Valley, CO, and ID, for the majority of of his adult life paled in comparison to the pride he had for serving his country in the Armed Forces. Despite a court ruling that his diabetes and all related medical conditions were a result of his time in service during the Vietnam War and exposure to agent orange, the pride in his military service never waned. He could not have been prouder to have been an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force during his 5 years of service from 14 January 1963 - 13 January 1969. It was rare for Curly to not have one of his MANY Vietnam Veteran hats on top of his head—partially to cover his balding crown but mostly as an outward display of the pride he felt for his military service.

While not working, Curly spent time at many golf courses throughout the country, refinished golf clubs, and created custom golf clubs—true works of art. After retiring, boredom was not something Curly experienced. He tried his hand at being a handyman, a realtor, a locksmith, a pet-sitter, but then discovered his sweet spot organizing reunions with fellow Baker High School classmates. Being forced to step back from organizing reunions due to his most recent health issues broke his heart. He was looking forward to the possibility of returning to that sweet spot after getting settled in his permanent residence recently approved at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville.

To say Curly was a fighter just doesn’t seem to express it strongly enough. That’s what makes his passing so unexpected and hard to accept.

The following words of his granddaughter, Ashlynn, capture the essence of Curly (a.k.a. “Mr. Bill”) perfectly. Charming. Helpful. Loving. Kind to animals. Passionate about the causes he believed in. Always there. My grandfather lived a life that did not deserve to be cut short: a life made remarkable by a heart that surrounded itself with beautiful moments of connection with others. He dearly loved his friends and family. He dearly loved his faithful and devoted dog, Titan. A life marked by love is the ultimate accomplishment, and with many in his life my grandfather achieved that accomplishment. He will be well-missed until we meet again, but a life well-lived does not simply dissipate or be made void when it comes to an end. He has sent ripples of love and laughter on the surface of the lives he has touched. And those ripples, on the sea of time and infinity, do not disappear any more than he has.

Please join family and friends to honor Curly’s life and military service at the VA state cemetery in Milledgeville, GA, on 22 May 2023 at 11:00 AM. Following the ceremony at 1:00 PM, family and friends are requested to share stories and a meal at Pedro’s Mexican Grill & Cantina. 6161 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro, GA 30642. Click the following link to RSVP if you’ll be joining us at 1:00 PM http://evite.me/xgmXE2rE4c .

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one or more of the following organizations in Curly’s honor: Disabled American Veterans, your local Humane Society, the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com