Russell T. Harkins

Russell T. Harkins, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2011. Rusty was born in Charleston, WV in 1953 to Russell L. and Jean Harkins. He graduated from South Charleston High School and then West Virginia Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. After his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Denise Althouse, he began his career with Union Carbide in West Virginia. From there they moved to Shelby, NC, Chattanooga, TN and eventually settled in Jacksonville in 1993 when Rusty secured a position with Vistakon. His most recent position there was as Principal Engineer. Rusty was greatly loved by his family and friends and was known for his generosity, kindness, and helpfulness to all who knew him. When he was not at Vistakon, he spent many hours designing and building furniture. Rusty is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Denise, his daughter, Beth Harkins, and his son, Brad Harkins; his mother, Jean Harkins; sisters, Debbie Limuti (Ron) and Mendi Harkins; mother-in-law, Ruth Althouse and several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 24, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 11801 San Jose Blvd. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at 3:00 PM with a reception following at Christ’s Church 6045 Greenland Rd. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made in Rusty’s name to Seamark Ranch, a children’s home in Clay County, P.O. Box 24032, Jacksonville, FL 32241. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025