Alonzo "Al" Henry Harley, III

Al lived a remarkable life, not simply because of the places he went or the history he helped make, but because of the quiet strength, kindness, and determination with which he lived each day. He was soft-spoken, intelligent, deeply devoted to his family, and, as those who knew him best would lovingly say, unbelievably stubborn.

Born on March 17, 1928, in Starke, Florida, Al grew up with a natural curiosity and a willingness to work. His father was a mechanic, and Al spent time helping in his shop, developing the patience, skill, and love of working with his hands that would remain with him throughout his life. He loved playing sandlot baseball, though Sundays were reserved for quieter pursuits. While he was not allowed to play ball on Sundays, he was always allowed to read. It was in the personal library of his grandfather, Reverend Jesse Robinson, that his lifelong love of books and learning began.

Al later spent part of his youth in Richmond, Virginia, where he attended John Marshall High School and participated in the Cadet Corps. After returning home to Starke, he attended Bradford High School and played football. His school years were not without a little mischief, from accidentally overturning the local game warden’s canoe with the wake of his boat to striking his teacher with a book that had been intended for a friend. During those years, his best friend, Dr. Barney McRae Jr., introduced him to his sister, Vivian, beginning a love story that would span nearly eight decades. His love of football later carried him to Clemson University, where he continued playing until a knee injury brought him home to Florida.

Al and Vivian married on March 12, 1950, and began building a life together. During the Korean War, Al proudly served in Charlie Company, 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He supported the Marines defending the Jamestown Line by delivering ammunition, supplies, and equipment to the Nevada Cities outposts during the brutal trench warfare of 1953. While attached to the 1st Engineer Battalion, he helped keep critical supply routes open, cleared obstacles, and served under enemy fire in areas littered with landmines. Like so many veterans of his generation, he carried the experiences of war with quiet strength throughout the rest of his life.

After nearly a year halfway around the world, Al finally returned home. For Vivian, seeing him again after so much time apart became one of her happiest memories of their life together. Al resumed his education at the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. It was an accomplishment he never considered his alone. He often gave Vivian great credit, saying he could not have done it without her. Al and Vivian became the parents of three children, Hank, Marianne, and Phil. No matter what he would later accomplish, his family remained his greatest source of pride.

Al brought his talents to America’s space program, beginning a long and distinguished career with NASA. His work supported the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs, and he later served as Chief of Landing and Facilities Operations. He helped advance a program that carried human beings beyond Earth, yet he remained humble about his accomplishments.

Phil carried a special memory from his senior year of high school, when he accompanied his father on a cross-country drive to California for a six-month assignment supporting Space Shuttle landing operations at Edwards Air Force Base. After they arrived, Al brought him to work. As they moved through the base, Phil watched security guards and coworkers greet his father with respect and listen closely as he calmly gave instructions. It was the first time Phil had seen that side of him, not simply as his easygoing father, but as a trusted leader who knew what needed to be done and treated those around him with respect. Phil’s amazement continued when Al introduced him to the crew chief of the T-38 aircraft used by NASA astronauts. The crew chief then gave Phil a tour of NASA’s test articles. It was an unforgettable experience, but what stayed with Phil most was the pride of seeing his father through entirely new eyes. As the years passed, Al and Vivian’s lives took separate paths, though the bond they shared remained an important part of both their lives.

On June 5, 1976, Al married Kathleen “Kay” Belcher Harley, beginning another deeply meaningful chapter of his life. They shared 38 years of marriage until her passing in 2014. Kay loved Al deeply and was a devoted and caring presence in his life. She was also exceptionally good to his children and grandchildren, welcoming them and loving them as her own. Her kindness, generosity, and the years she shared with Al remain a cherished part of his family’s story.

Following Kay’s passing, Al and Vivian found their way back to one another. They once again shared a home, their family, and a companionship that remained one of the defining relationships of Al’s life. In his later years, Al enjoyed traveling with Vivian, his children, and their spouses. Together, they explored Europe, Alaska, Canada, the Panama Canal, South America, and the Caribbean, creating lasting memories filled with new places, shared laughter, and time with the people he loved most.

Marianne cherished the many moments she shared with her father throughout her life, from standing on his feet as he danced with her in the kitchen as a child to accompanying him decades later on an Honor Flight. She considered that journey one of the greatest gifts of her life. Al’s famously stubborn nature followed him there, and his determination to do things his own way soon earned them seats at the front of the bus and plane so the organizers could keep an eye on them. For more than twenty-four hours, Marianne lovingly recalled, she and her father felt like rock stars.

Al was an avid golfer, a devoted Florida Gators football fan, and a proud member of the Gator Boosters. He shared those passions with his son Hank. For more than sixty years, they attended football games together, and they played golf nearly every weekend until Al was no longer able. Those years spent side by side became some of Hank’s most cherished memories of his father.

His grandchildren will carry with them his stories, mornings spent together over breakfast at Umpa’s Diner, childhood visits to the farm up north, and cheering beside him at Florida Gators football games. He was there for birthdays, graduations, and life’s important milestones, often celebrated over family dinners and gatherings at Hank and Kim’s home. His great-grandchildren will always remember Grandpa’s big hugs, warm smile, and the way his face lit up whenever they were near.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen “Kay” Belcher Harley; his parents, Alonzo “Lonnie” Harley and Helen Harley; his maternal grandfather, Reverend Jesse Robinson; his grandmothers, Bessie Robinson and Myrtle Robinson; his paternal grandparents, Alonzo H. Harley and Abbie B. Harley; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dr. Barney McRae Jr., Mary Virginia “Ginny” McRae, Betty McRae Wells, and Lucille “Prissy” McRae Nazworth.

He is survived by Vivian McRae Harley; his children, Hank Harley (Kim), Marianne Harley Thurston (Barry Pendley), and Phil Harley (Laura); his grandchildren, Tiffany Arnold, Trevor Arnold, Christian Thurston, Jenavieve Blankenship (James), Bailey Williams, Skyler Harley, and Savannah Harley; his great-grandchildren, Corrine and Ally Blankenship; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

Al’s life stretched across nearly a century of history. He served his country in war, helped advance America’s space program, raised a family, and left behind stories that will continue to be told for generations. Yet his truest legacy lives in the people who loved him and in the small moments they will carry with them forever. In his final chapter, Al found peace in his Christian faith and affirmed his acceptance of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. His family takes comfort in knowing that he was ready and that he has now gone home to be with the Lord.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held on August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Burial with military honors will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery, 7304 State Road 100, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tim Tebow Foundation at https://timtebowfoundation.org or that those wishing to honor Al take the time to listen to the stories of an older loved one. As Al’s family learned, even after a lifetime together, there are always more chapters waiting to be heard.