Obituary of Robert William Harmon

Robert William Harmon went to glory to be with his heavenly father on October 28, 2020 at the young age of 78.

Robert was born on July 25, 1942, in Baltimore Maryland to Milton and Charlotte Harmon.  He was adopted and raised by his aunt Ruth Smith in Virginia.

Robert graduated from North Hampton High School Virginia in 1960 where he excelled in both varsity football and basketball.  After graduation he moved to Philadelphia to become the lead singing tenor for the rock and roll group “Fanny and the Varcells”.  The group toured and recorded several records until Robert volunteered to join the United States Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam as the Mess, Sergeant with Headquarters Company, 4^th Battalion, and 199th Light Infantry Brigade.  During his Vietnam tour he rose to the rate of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal on three Occasions, one in particular for his personal action on the night of April 18, 1970 when he led a squad to repel an enemy attack.  For his bravery and leadership, he was recognized for his action with the valorous medal.  Robert returned to the United States in 1970 after being released from the Army with an Honorable Discharge.  He was employed as the supervisor of hospital maintenance at Mt. Sinai in New York City until moving to Ocala in 2000 with his adopted Father Ethelbert Roach, he was a father that Robert always prayed for. They had a bond that could never have been broken.  They cherished each other’s friendship and the father and son love they had for each other. They traveled around the world, enjoyed maintaining and decorating their home, they loved playing cards with each other and loved hosting social gatherings.  Robert loved singing, cooking for others and fellowshipping with his church family and other believers.

Robert was a parishioner and served on the Vestry at Saint George Anglican Cathedral and was an active member at Mt. Zion AME Church.  Robert “Bob” received the Mt. Zion 2016 Black & White Humanitarian Image Award, 2020 Military Hero Award and was Mt. Zion 2020 Father of the Year. He was a member of Mt. Zion Music Ministry, Evangelism Outreach Ministry, Culinary Department and Co-host of Mt. Zion Black & White Gala for the past 7 years.  Robert was a servant for the Lord.  Christ was truly the Center of his life, (John 15:5). He sort the Lord for all that he did.  “Well done thou good and faithful Servant”(Matthew 25:21)

Robert proceeded in death his adopted father Ethelbert Roach, his mom Ruth Smith, his biological parents Milton and Charlotte Harmon, his sisters Ruth and Lola Mae, and his brother Milton

Robert is survived by his sister Margaret of Florida, Joan of New Jersey, Maritza of North Carolina, his brother Ricardo (Lorain) of Maryland, Niece- Nikki of California, his adopted son Reccy & family and a host of other nieces and nephews. A tremendous gratitude to his church family (Mt. Zion AME Church), Rev Dr. Rhella P. Murdaugh (Pastor) and friends.  A special thank you to Uncle Rupert, Bob and Donna.

Viewing will take place from 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM with services following. A graveside service for Robert will be held at Highland Memorial Park (1515 NE 3^rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470) on Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 AM. Online condolences may be sent to www.hiers-baxley.net.