Walter "Hal" Harold Harkala Jr.

Walter Harold “Hal” Harkala Jr. left us to go dance jubilantly in Heaven on October 19, 2024. With broken hearts and profound sadness, we affirm that Hal fought a courageous fight with cancer, never complaining and always faithful, hopeful and optimistic until the end.

Hal was born on August 12, 1960, to Walter and Dorothy Harkala in Plant City, Florida. Hal, our beloved, “Buff,” graduated from Plant City High School in 1978, (“Go Raiders!”), where he was passionate about football, golf and attending concerts of the best of rock and roll. He went on to pursue a career in the plumbing industry and after a few moves, he settled in Jacksonville. After an illustrious and rewarding career, spanning 40+ years, he retired from Touchton Plumbing Contractors in Jacksonville, FL as a Project Manager and Estimator.

Hal was a larger-than-life personality who loved his time with friends while marveling at God’s beauty while traveling, fishing and hunting. He had a true passion for cooking, especially on the grill with his beloved shepherd, Zena, by his side and he could have easily been a short order cook. Attending the Gator games was always a thrill, and his magnetic personality drew many to his tailgates. This loving, generous, kind and caring gentle giant lived life on his own terms with a huge heart and great strength. He would like to be remembered as, “a jolly guy, a provider for his family, a loving protective brother, and a great husband and father and friend.”

All, so true! And he will never be forgotten!

Hal is survived by his soul mate, best friend, and wife, Beth. He is also survived by his children Halee Harkala Gillis (Bryce) and their daughter, Brylee; Kortnee Harkala; and TC LaGatta; his sister and brother in love, Tracy and Rick Adams, Ryan Adams; Ashley Adams (Matt) Lazewski and their daughter Isla. Also, a host of wonderful cousins, aunts and uncles. He will also be remembered with love by his whole, too many to list in-love family of the Gunti clan; each and every one of them was cherished by Hal especially his in-loves, Conrad and Valerie Gunti. He was preceded to heaven by his parents Walter Harold Harkala and Dorothy (Dot) Hardee Harkala.

To Hal’s Pals, words cannot begin to express our love and appreciation for all of your well wishes and support. Your encouragement inspired a current of love felt by all who wore their bracelets with great hope. Your support has been truly incomprehensible, and words fail to describe how touched Hal was by each of you, every day. Your friendships, both old and new, sustained him on darker days and meant the world to him. It was your response to him, as he shared his journey with you that he loved the most. Pictures sporting your bracelets out and about around the world were what he loved to see. The realization that you took the time to think of him and write words of support was never lost on Hal. Thank you.

A special thanks to the staff and Doctors at Mayo Clinic for their extraordinary care and support of Hal. We know your expertise and tenacity gave us extra time together and we are forever grateful. Community Hospice- in the darkness, you kept us calm. You were incredible. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation in memory of Hal to Mayo Clinic or Community Hospice & Palliative Care. Donations can be made by phone, online or by mail.

Mayo Clinic Dept. of Development

200 First ST SW

Rochester, MN 55905

Philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC

855-852-8129

Community Hospice & Palliative Cart

4266 Sunbeam Road,

Jacksonville, Fl 32257

support.communityhospice.com

904-886-3883

Memorial services are under the direction and guidance of Hardage Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207

Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12 noon.