of Harrison, AR
February 15, 1923 - August 8, 2012
Daniel Troy Harness, age 89, of Harrison, passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2012, in Harrison. He was born February 15, 1923, at Bear Creek in Marshall, Arkansas, the son of James Riley and Malinda (Turney) Harness. Along with his parents, Troy was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Harness and Clifford Harness; and his sister, Reva Harness.
Troy served as a sergeant in the United States Air Force for 4 years during World War II. After serving his country, he caught a glimpse of Barbara Downum's valedictorian newspaper picture. Upon seeing her picture and learning of her intelligence, he said, "that woman can make me a living!" Barbara and Troy were married on June 2, 1950. He established Harness Mattress Manufacturing Company in Harrison, where he served the community for over 50 years. Troy worked until he was 89 years old.
Troy was president of the Arkansas State Gospel Singing Convention for a two year term and spent many years as the Arkansas Valley Singing Convention president. He loved to sing and spent much of his free time attending singing conventions. He loved to tell stories and jokes as well as pull pranks on friends and family.
Troy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (Downum) Harness; his children, Craig Harness and his wife Norma Jean, Danielle James and her husband Ralph, and Brian Harness and his wife Laura; his sister, Veda Joe Smith; and his brothers, Perry Harness, Roy Harness, and James R. Harness.
Troy is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany James Yount and her husband Chris, Jared James and his wife Jamie, Lindsey Harness, Grant Harness and his wife Melanie, Giles Harness and Breezy Harness; his great-grandchildren, Zayd Yount and Jace James; extended family of three generations of nieces, nephews; and Troy's lifetime friends.
Visitation is 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, August 10, 2012, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Saturday, August 11, 2012, at the First Baptist Church, Harrison, with Rev. Jimmy Dale Husky officiating.
Pallbearers awee Danny Harness, Grant Harness, Giles Harness, Kim Mathis, Jared James and Chris Young.
Honorary pallbearers were Troy's nephews and nieces and his singing friends.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Hills Hospice House, PO Box 1927, Harrison, AR 72602, or to Union Baptist Church Building Fund, 6884 Whispering Pines Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
O glory to God, He's holding my hand
He safely will guide, I know
He lifted me up and caused me to stand
O that's why I love Him so. I love Him so.
These words come from one of Pa Troy's favorite hymns,
"That's Why I Love Him So". Pa echoed these words with
his life, standing as a man of integrity, his love for God seen
and felt through the kindness he showed to all those around
him. He found peace in the faith that God was always holding his hand, and thus he never lost his love for God and man. So
as we mourn the passing of such a warm and loving Christ-like man, let us take up the faith that Pa so humbly held, and let
us find peace and love in knowing that the hand that held and continues to hold Pa's hand holds and guides us today.
In Loving Tribute to Pa,
Brittany, Jared, Lindsey,
Grant, Giles and Breezy
Sign Guestbook
33 Condolence(s)
Lt. Colonel (ret) Lionell Owens
Friday, August 31, 2012
Craig, and the Harness Family,
My condolences on your loss.
Lionell
Shawna Thompson
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Mr. Harness will missed. I always looked forward to seeing him walk in the door . He always made everyone around laugh with his funny jokes and riddles. I never will forget the way he like his coffee. he was a great man.
Steve Benton
Thursday, August 16, 2012
One of the greatest persons that I have ever known. A great husband, father and friend. I am truely a better person today for knowing Troy and his family. You will be greatly missed.
Mark Brelish
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I always greeted Troy as 'Mr. Harness' or 'Young Man' when we would meet, usually at an auction sale. He always had a story to tell. Although he leaves behind sorrowful friends & family, he will not be forgotten. I am proud to have known him. The Air Force motto sums him up best. 'No One Comes Close'.
Derek Keeter
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Sorry for your loss. I deliver mail to your store sometimes and Troy will be missed.
Donnie & Danny Watts
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Barbara and family, our prayers and our love go out to you. We will miss Troy and think of him often.
John M Hudson
Saturday, August 11, 2012
I didn't know Troy well, but during the different times I was around him, throughout the years, my opinion of him never changed. He was always kind, considerate, caring, and sincere. Those are obviously great qualities for anyone to have. His life undoubtedly left a lasting legacy for his family and friends.
Nelda Coffman
Saturday, August 11, 2012
DEAR HARNESS FAMILY,SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. TROY WILL BE MISSED.PRAYERS ARE GOING UP FOR PEACE AND COMFORT. NELDA COFFMAN AND FAMILY
christina campbell
Friday, August 10, 2012
Troy will be missed.. He was a great man to know. Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayer go out to his family.
Tabitha Coffey
Friday, August 10, 2012
You will be truly missed. I loved your friendliness and the ability to make us all laugh when we were having a rough day! Im sure you will have your meal just the way you like it, in Heaven above. You were so kind but honer y, and we appreciated seeing you everyday! Rest in Peace.
The Thornton Family
Friday, August 10, 2012
God Bless You and Keep you in this difficult time.. We'll always remember those silly jokes and riddles Mr Harness always had for us girls at the Top Rock Drive- In at Alpena!
Charlie and Wanda Smith
Friday, August 10, 2012
Sympathies and prayers
Ron & Jean
Friday, August 10, 2012
Mr. Nice Guy is what everyone called you. Never knew what joke or prant you were going to pull next, but we all knew when you were within our reach a smile would be had by all..
You shall truly be missed by all in Harrison, it has been such a pleasure to know you and your family. My Prayers are with your family durning this time of grief & sorrow.. Go with God and rejoice
Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Rest In Peace
Brenda Watts Poff
Friday, August 10, 2012
Barbara and family, I was so saddened to hear about your loss. Troy was a great man with a heart as big as the Ozark Mountains. His laughter and sense of humor will be greatly missed but his love for his family and his God will live on through the ages. May God keep His hand on your shoulder, you sweet beautiful woman, until you walk into Troy's welcoming arms again. All my love and prayers, Brenda.
Sherri
Friday, August 10, 2012
Troy you were a great man! I will miss you coming in at the bakery and instructing us all on how you wanted your coffee! Many thoughts and prayers going out to the Harness Family! Troy was one of a kind! We will miss you Mr. Nice Guy!
Parker Family
Friday, August 10, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and May God ease your pain.
Sarah Burnett
Friday, August 10, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss Troy. His humor was truly unique.
Mark Anderson
Friday, August 10, 2012
My condolences goes out to the Harness Family.
Sue (Pannell) Mackey
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Dearest Barbara & Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time of loss. May time & cherished memories give you strength & keep you strong.And may God comfort as only he can do. Cherish the memories. Sue Mackey & Family,
John & Cindy Creager
Thursday, August 9, 2012
We are sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Bobby & Kim Brown
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Barbara and the rest of your precious family. Love to you all!
Jerry & Carol Sue Willcutt
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Dear Barbara, we are so sorry to hear of Troy's passing. We have enjoyed many a convention with the two of you. We know he is at home with our Lord and Savior and singing the song the angels cannot sing. May God Bless and comfort you is our earnest prayer. Love, Jerry & Carol Sue
Rita Lancaster
Thursday, August 9, 2012
What a dear Brother in Christ! He will be missed! Our love and prayers to the family!
Joe B. Dearing
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I will never forget the story Troy told me at the funeral for my sister Jane. She lived 1/2 mile North of where the Harness family lived when they moved to Boone County. He said she would pick them up every Sunday morning in a old Ford pickup and give them a ride to Union Church. The older boys would set on the tailgate and hang their feet off. Troy, you are now at a home where you will never move. God bless. Joe
Luster and Lorene Risley
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Barbara and Family, We were so saddened to read of the passing of Troy, but we know that you rejoice in knowing that he is at home with God. May God, in His love, bring comfort to your family during this time of sorrow and heal every heartache.
Pat&Donna Casey
Thursday, August 9, 2012
So sorry to hear of Troys passing. He was a good freind to our family. He will be missed. Sleeping on a real soft mattress in Heaven now. Our prayers are with you.
Betty & Gene Redd
Thursday, August 9, 2012
We knew aand loved him and Barbara. May he rest in peace.
Dana Burns
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Praying for peace and comfort for you right now. What a joy to know that he is in Heaven and you WILL one day be reunited. sending love.
Vic and Barbi Landis
Thursday, August 9, 2012
What an absolutely wonderful man. He scattered happiness everywhere he went. He will be missed at Union Baptist Church.
James & Pearl Blevins
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family at this time of your loss of Troy but he is Heaven's gain. He will be missed by all whi knew him.
Zane and Linda Harding
Thursday, August 9, 2012
We have known Troy and Barbara for many years through the singing conventions in Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have many fond memories of Troy and his funny stories he used to tell. He and Barbara were special people to us.
Mary Harrell
Thursday, August 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers with the family...
Cathy and Dale Minor
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Thoughts and prayers for the family.