Charles Dale Harman Jr.

Charles Dale Harman, Jr., a beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, cherished friend, and formidable litigator, passed away at home on May 7, 2025, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He will be remembered for his warmth, generous spirit, captivating stories, and quick wit.

Dale was born on March 21, 1934 in Bluefield,West Virginia to Charles Dale Harman, Sr and Barnardine Elizabeth Cassidy. At the age of 8, Dale lost his father and thereafter took responsibility for himself. His first job was delivering newspapers, which exposed him to misadventures with angry dogs and bicycle wrecks. He always had a job after school and in the summers to enable him to receive a college education.

Dale was graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School and from Bluefield High School in Bluefield, West Virginia. He enrolled in Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) where he was Captain of the mighty Company K and served as a Senator in the Corps of Cadets. Among many honors, both academic and military, Dale was elected to The National Society of Scabbard and Blade and Omicron Delta Kappa.

After college, Dale headed to the Army. He wanted to serve with “the best” so he joined the 82nd Airborne Division. Training allowed him to take his first ride in an airplane. Of course, he had to jump out before the plane landed and he loved it. After achieving his Master Jump Wings, he served as Jump Master on many sorties. He also served as Platoon Leader of Company D, 1st Airbourne Battle Group. He earned the much coveted Pathfinder patch. Dale was devoted to his country and wanted to be of service in a meaningful way. After his tour with the 82nd and eighty-three military jumps, he joined the US Special Forces, serving as a Green Beret. During law school, he met his wife of 61 years, Katherine Ross, while serving in the 16th Special Forces reserves in West Virginia. He always said the Special Forces gave him two bad knees and a great wife.

Dale earned a JD degree at The University of Virginia School of Law. He served as President of his second-year class, President of The Law School, Chairman of the Honor Court, member of the National Moot Court team, and Chairman of the Student Advisory Committee. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity and much enjoyed being a member of the undergraduate honorary TILKA.

After law school, Dale came to Atlanta where he joined the law firm Jones, Bird and Howell (now Alston and Bird). There he earned the nickname W3 meaning “ Well We Won” since he never lost a case and had only one hung jury. Later, he formed the firm, Harman, Owen, Saunders and Sweeney, specializing in corporate litigation.

As a young lawyer he spent many nights and weekends teaching and counseling inmates at the Federal Prison. A beautiful oil painting, made by an inmate, was given to him as a wedding gift. It is much treasured by his family.

Dale was a member of the University of Georgia Gridiron Society, Atlanta Bar Association, American Bar Association, Old Warhorse Association, and The Lawyers Club. He served as president of the Advocates Club and The Racket Club. He served on the boards of The Piedmont Driving Club and the Capital City Club. He was a great advocate for St. Jude Hospital for Children and Shriners Hospital for Children.

Dale loved and revered three things: his God, his family and his country. He did his best to care for and serve them always. Since losing his father at an early age, he was determined to be the best father he could be to his three boys and later grandfather to his four girls. Even while in a trial, Dale would be home for dinner with his family then return to the office. He coached each of their Little League teams, and never missed an event whether academic or sporting.

Dale was known for his unwavering integrity, inner strength, kindness and loyalty. He was a natural leader of men, full of compassion and caring, a devoted friend, and loved by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Claire Shutko and Anne Stupalsky; brother-in law, Lloyd Shutko and parents-in -law, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Allan Ross. Dale is deeply missed by his loving wife, Kathy, his sons: Charles Dale Harman III (Meg), Allan Ross Harman, and Sayers French Harman II (Amy); his granddaughters: Margaret duLacey, Elizabeth Bolles, Josephine Katherine, and Althea Louise. His nephew, John Shutkeo (Amanda) great nephews Luke and John Shutko. Margaret Jonas Harman, Brother-in law Allan Ross Harman (Terri); Nieces Amy Katherine Sanders (Josh) and Meghann Lienweber (Peter).

After a private graveside service with military honors, the family ask you to please join them for a celebration of Dale’s life on Thursday May 29, 2025 at 4:00 at The Piedmont Driving Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in his honor to St. Jude Hospital for Children 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.