Bob was born and raised in a small farming community, Odessadale, Georgia. He learned at an early age the importance of hard work, helping his father farm and deliver produce by wagon. He was never complacent and always strove to help provide for his family.
He later joined the Army and was stationed in Germany after World War II as a code breaker. He began his professional career in the carpet industry at Calloway Mills in 1953. After working for several carpet companies, Bob founded Richmond Carpet Mills in 1969 and retired in 2000.
He and his wife, Merlene, enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with his family at Santa Rosa Beach, FL., and on Watts Bar Lake. He had many friends, many of whom were blessed by one of his hand written letters of encouragement, congratulations or condolences. His greatest joy was helping others.
Most of all he was a man of faith and family. His priorities were always straight. God was always first and foremost followed by family.
He was preceded by his parents, James Pope and Elizabeth Wright Harman and 7 brothers and sisters.
Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Merlene F. Harman; children, Vicki Armor and her husband Hicks, Mark Harman and his wife Heather. Grandchildren, “Best Buddy” Hicks Armor, Jr., Alexandria Armor, Hagan and Zach Watson, Margaret Harman and Abbey McFay.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 31, at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, 1511 Riverview Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405.
Interment will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the
Odessadale United Methodist Church, c/o Mr. Gaines Harman,
600 Harman Road, Greenville, GA 30222 or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Dominion Senior Living and Hearth Hospice for their love and care.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
