James David "J. D." Harkrider

Notes:

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.

James married Thelma Pearl Rawson on 26 May 1934 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Thelma (daughter of James Fisher Rawson and Ruth Madeline Moss) was born about 1914 in Denning Community, San Augustine County, Texas; died on 29 Apr 2000 in Nacogdoches County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. David Rawson Harkrider was born on 11 Aug 1935 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; died on 3 Feb 2009 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.