Thomas William Harman

Thomas William "Tommy" Harman, Sr. departed his earthly life on May, 06, 2013. Born October 7, 1924 in Tin Can Hollow, Coopers, WV, he was the first son of Oscar Levi "John D" and Nannie Texa "Texie" Carr Harman. He attended a one room school on Bramwell Hill until the 6th grade and completed his eighth grade education at Bramwell High School. He worked independently until a day after his eighteenth birthday, when he signed up for the Army. He became a member of the 1st Armored Division stationed in Italy during WW II. After the war he married Claire Louise Kopplin Bartholomew from Chicago, Ill. They moved to southern West Virginia and settled in the Bramwell area where he worked in the mines. He became a single parent of three when his wife left the area and went back to the city. Along with his mother, he provided a nurturing home for his children and sisters. He worked for Bluefield Gas Co., for several years and retired from W&H Construction Company after more than 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Robert "Bubby" Harmon; a grandchild, Quhanna Harman; two brothers-in-law: George Gedeon and Roger E. Goins; and his devoted companion of more than 35 years, Virginia Cumby Corner. He was an easy-going man who loved to work puzzles, from jigsaws to mind teasers; he was able to work them efficiently and quickly. With his ready wit he enjoyed humor and was often saying something that gave one a chuckle. He liked music that one could "tap their foot to" and especially enjoyed bluegrass and The Lawrence Welk Show. He was an electrician, a carpenter, a plumber, and kept his home in a spotless condition, even at the age of 88! His kind and gentle spirit will be lovingly honored and missed by his family. Those include the following: daughter, Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Harman Goins and her husband, Donnie Goins; son, Thomas William "Bill" Harman, Jr.; son, Robert Paul "Bob" Harman and his wife, Julie Phillips Harman. His grandchildren include: Selina Goins Cahill and her husband, Jan; Sarah Beth Goins; Eric Harman; Shannon Harman and his wife, Wendy; and Quincy Harman Owens and her husband, Kevin. Great-grandchildren include Samantha Cahill and finance' Ryan Wilson; Haley Cahill; Riley Harvey; Skyler Harman; and 2 children he never met. Also surviving are his sisters, Norma Harman Gedeon of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and her family; and Bonnie Harman Goins of Bramwell, WV and her family. A host of nephews and nieces survive in addition to Terry Corner of Bramwell, whom he helped to raise and considered a son, and Alex Corner whom he felt was a grandson. According to his wishes graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton, WV. On Thursday, May 09, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Minister Harold Goins officiating. West Virginia Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Roselawn Memorial Gardens by 1:00p.m. In lieu and in the spirit of Tommy Harman, memorial gifts can be directed to the Bramwell Presbyterian Church where he attended in his last years. (PO Box 97, Bramwell WV 24715); or to the Bluefield Union Mission, (PO Box 4056 Bluefield, WV 24701). He never met a cause which he didn't support and often received dozens of requests for assistance. Although he was of humble means he found ways to mail a small donation to various charities, especially those dealing with children and veterans. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.