John Franklin Harkleroad, 76, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2009, as a result of complications caused by a long illness. A native of Bluff City Tennessee he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee. After graduation he served 5 years of active duty in the United States Navy and continued as an active member of the Naval Reserve for another 18 years, eventually retiring with the rank of Commander. Mr. Harkleroad joined the Atlanta Architectural and Engineering firm Stevens & Wilkinson in 1962 and eventually rose to become the Firm’s Director of Contract Administration. In 1985 he became Vice President of Stevens & Wilkinson and was elected to the Board of Directors. Mr. Harkleroad retired from his full-time position in December of 1997, but continued to consult with Stevens & Wilkinson until 2000. He was a lifelong Methodist who attended Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia. Mr. Harkleroad is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lou Ann; his daughter, Lisa Harkleroad of Atlanta; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Pat Harkleroad of Louisville Kentucky; his sister-in-law, Joan Harkleroad of Fairfax Virginia, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 15th at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Rev. Glenn Ethridge officiating. Burial will be at a later date in his hometown of Bluff City, TN. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur Georgia 30033. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. A. S. Turner & Sons
