Obituary
Guest Book
1911
2017
James David Harkrider passed from this life Monday, August 28, 2017 in the home of his first-born granddaughter, Wendy Harkrider. Also by his side was Jenell Harkrider, his granddaughter-in-law. Mr. Harkrider had been in their loving care since May 12. Born in Center, TX, October 24, 1911, he lived to the age of 105. He was the son of Robert E. Harkrider and Elma Redditt Harkrider. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Rawson Harkrider, his son David Rawson Harkrider and daughter-in-law Elaine Schulze Harkrider. He is survived by his son, Robert Fisher Harkrider (wife Arline), seven grandchildren: Wendy, Paul (Jana), John David Harkrider (Jenell) and Elizabeth Creel (Richard), John Thorp, Amy Bruns (Glenn) and Anne Underwood (Tip), also seventeen great grandchildren and eighteen great, great grandchildren.
A longtime resident and businessman of Nacogdoches, Mr. Harkrider moved here in 1944. He managed the Gulf service station on the corner of Main and North St. for several years; then purchased the property on North Street which became Harkrider Motor Company. During the late 1950's he sold new Volkswagens from that site. There were no VW dealerships then. He just drove to Houston, bought them off the dock and brought them to east Texas. That property was later sold to Clint Murchison, Jr. (founder of the Dallas Cowboys). Another property was purchased on South Street which became American Auto Salvage. He operated this business until he "retired" in 1977. During those years he also ran the wrecker service for Nacogdoches County. He has said of himself, "I have bought, sold, and traded almost all my life."
JD Harkrider was a faithful member of the church of Christ. He served as a deacon and was instrumental in the beginning years when the group first worshiped on Baker Street and later built on the corner of Mound and Starr. He served the church whole-heartedly for over 50 years "retiring" as deacon after the new Stallings Drive church of Christ began meeting in the year 2000. His wife, Thelma, died that year and the next year he sold his home on the corner of Starr and Baker to SFA. He lived in Birmingham, AL with granddaughter Anne Underwood for a few years, then moved back to the Fredonia Hotel for many years and made himself quite a life there pursuing a new hobby of planting roses everywhere and enjoying the Fredonia family. After the hotel closed he moved to Orlando, FL to live with Robert and Arline Harkrider. Eventually he returned to Nacogdoches and resided at Magnolia Court until May of this year.
JD lived to serve others. He was very active in mind and body until just days before his passing. He was quick-witted and full of stories and life experiences and is remembered by many for his "one-liner" expressions.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 4, 2017 at the Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with visitation at 10:00 A.M. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Robert Harkrider and Randy Harshbarger will officiate the service. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park.
Pallbearers include J.D.'s grandsons: Paul, John David, and John Thorp Harkrider; Great Grandsons: Jordan, Colin, Ross, JD, and Conrad Harkrider; Walker and Ethan Bruns; and Dr. Austin Underwood.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Vyrne Shofner, Dr. Son Chau, Dr. Larry Walker, Dr. Hugh Berry, Richard Creel, Glenn Bruns, Jerry Bolls, and Tip Underwood.
Please visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to leave condolences and memories.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
September 15, 2017
I knew Mr. And Mrs. Harkrider all of my life. My parents were friends with them and I can't go past the corner of North Street and Hospital without remembering Harkrider Motors on that corner. The original building and carport are still there! Also, the beautiful rose bushes he tended at the hotel will also be forever in my mind as a "well-tended" memory to a fine and gentle person. What a pleasure they both were.
Emily Quattlebaum Holden
September 4, 2017
Jerry Davis
It was a joy knowing Brother J D. He was a tremendous example with an inner strength that surpasses most all of us. Yet kind and gentle with a genuine smile that reached out and touched you. I really enjoyed the conversations that i had with him and miss the Braves games with him. Surely he is resting in a well deserved peace and all ot us that loved him look forward to seeing him again on the other side.
September 3, 2017
Sarah Shaw
One of the corner stones of the Mound & Starr Church of Christ. I loved how he lived & worked at the Fredonia Hotel after the passing of Ms. Thelma, keeping things in order and maintained at the hotel. My condolences to the Harkrider family and friends.
September 1, 2017
Karen (Jones) Colvin
Thelma and JD knew me all my life. They were wonderful, longtime friends of my parents. Good bye from "Miss Jo-nes.
September 1, 2017
Rob & Julie Perkins
Robert and Arline - We are so sorry for the loss of this good man. May God comfort you at this time.
August 31, 2017
Jim Ward
What a man! I've known him since my young days, and he was always the same: steady and solid, good humored, unflappable, devoted to the cause of Jesus Christ, and always an encouragement to me in my efforts to preach the gospel. It is some mark of his character - and Thelma's - that both of their sons became preachers of the Word. Much love, Bob, to you and Arline and to all of your family.
August 31, 2017
Phylis Johnson-Simonds
J.D. and his family have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. He & Thelma raised two incredible sons who then raised incredible families of their own. He never called me Phylis, I was forever "tax-woman". I will miss him. I am so thankful for the example he set as a Christian and I know he lives on in others. Phylis Johnson Simonds
August 31, 2017
Very AWESOME friend
August 30, 2017
Leon Goff
To Robert and Loved Ones, Alma and I express our sincere sympathy to you. It was a joy knowing Brother J.D. I stayed in the Fredonia Hotel during a meeting several years ago and enjoyed visiting with him and following him to the church building as he was still driving in his late 90s. I was able to witness his many beautiful roses around the hotel. Leon and Alma Goff (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
August 30, 2017
Doris Mintz
So glad to have had the chance to know this wonderful man. My condolences to the entire Harkrider family.
August 30, 2017
Anna Marcotte
I too was one of the fortunate ones to know J.D. I can still see him now sitting in the entry way chair at Bumby church of Christ in Orlando. Always with a smile, a handshake and friendly hello. He will be missed by many. Condolences to his family.
August 29, 2017
Julie Frye
So glad we got a chance to know J.D. He was such a joy to be around and always had a smile on his face. Our condolences to all of the Harkrider family.
August 29, 2017
Penny Byrd
What an amazing force this man was to anyone who got to know him. He never gave up and I was blessed and changed by knowing him. Saddened by our loss, but rejoicing at where he is now. A life well served. My condolences to the family.
August 29, 2017
Erica
Mr. Harkrider lived in the Hotel Fredonia where I worked for 3 years after college. He was such a joy to have with us! He always made us laugh and told us great stories. He lived such an amazing life! Rest in Peace Mr. Harkrider! Prayers to your family and friends!
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Funeral services provided by:
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
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