Richard Edward Harms

Richard was born January 5, 1938 in Buffalo, NY to Theodore Harms and Marion Kasniak Harms. He grew up in and around Buffalo with his 5 siblings, William (Bill) deceased, Eugene (Gene) deceased, Marla, Mary and Theodora (Dora). He honorably served in the New York Army National Guard during the Cold War from January 1955 to January 1964.

Richard joins his wife Thea, his eternal sweetheart and love of his life, who preceded him in death. They were joined together for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles, California Temple of The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a devoted member of the church and served in numerous callings for the church over the years. He found joy in knowing that families can be together forever.

Richard was a long time public servant, retiring from the North Carolina Department of Corrections after 25 years as a Correctional Officer. He was an active and tireless member of the Number 7 Township Volunteer Fire Dept, in Lattimore, NC for 35 years as Firefighter and EMT, seven of which as the Fire Chief, before retiring from Fire Service.

Richard is survived by his four children and their families; daughter Randi Lynn Powell (and Johnnie) of Shelby, NC; son Patrick Joseph Harms (and Sydney) of Rabat, Morocco; Thea Marie Davis (and Jeffrey) of Suffolk, VA and, Richard Reid Harms (and Stephen) of Montgomery Village, MD. He had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The viewing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8 at the De Vol Funeral Home, 10 E. Deer Park Dr, Gaithersburg MD 20877.

After which, he will be cremated and his ashes joined with his wife in their shared urn.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations may be made in his honor to the Number 7 Township Volunteer Fire Dept, 341 Westlee St, Lattimore, NC 28089