It is with a heavy heart the family announces the passing of Big Al Harjes. A native of Queens, New York and longtime resident of Chattanooga, he lived a full and wonderful life. He was a former volunteer fire fighter with the New York City Fire Department. When duty called, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Al was a Korean War veteran of the 509th Bomb Group. In addition to his time in service, Big Al signed WTVC Channel 9 on the air in 1959 and continued to serve our community in broadcast television for over 40 years. Al lived a full life and was cherished by all who knew him. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, six grand-children and six great-grand-children. May he rest in peace.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM – 12 PM Friday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.