J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Harlan, Jr., John William

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

John William Harlan, Jr. of Hopewell, died Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the age of 88. Mr. Harlan was born in Petersburg, Virginia and was a long time resident of Hopewell. He served in the Army Air Corps in WWII and attained the rank of Captain in 1946. Mr. Harlan was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. James Catholic Church and the Hopewell Lions Club, having received the Humanitarian award in 2004. Mr. Harlan founded the Harlan Foundation in 2002, dedicated to supporting the needs of children and animals. Mr. Harlan attended the University of Richmond. Mr. Harlan’s many business endeavors included Prince George Cleaners, Crater House Furniture, and he was Founder and President of Harlan Construction Co., Inc. since 1951. He was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Annie Vaden Harlan. He was very devoted to his wife, sons, and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Anne Werbenec Harlan, two sons, John William Harlan III and wife, Martha of Varina, VA., Daniel Winston Harlan and wife, Darlene of Disputanta, VA., four grandchildren, Max Andrew, John Paul, Daniel Winston, Jr., and Graham Patrick Harlan. The family will receive friends Friday, March 20, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Merchants Hope Church with the Rev. Frank Wiggins, pastor of St. James officiating. Interment will be in Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens, Prince George County. A reception will follow the interment in Merchants Hope Church Parish Hall. Contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 510 W. Poythress Street, Hopewell, Virginia 23860 or the Hopewell Humane Society, 3412 Oaklawn Boulevard, Hopewell, Virginia 23860. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

We were the owners of Bluebird Fasteners in Hopewell before retiring and remember John so well as he came in to buy items for his business. He was a fine man and I know will be missed in the Hopewell community. God Bless

Posted by: Glen & Margaret Belvin at March 21, 2009 12:05 PM

To the Harlan Family,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Harlan's passing. We will certainly keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.

Posted by: Bob and Kathy Stevens at March 20, 2009 06:11 PM

Dear Harlan Family,

Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Harlan Family on the lost of your husband and father. I know that he will be missed by all. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Bellefontaine Family
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Posted by: The Bellefontaine at March 20, 2009 11:52 AM

My heart felt sympathies go out to the entire Harlan family. When we lose a person like John Harlan our lives ,our city , our world is a little less better off. He will be missed by many. Russ Vergara Jr.

Posted by: Russ Vergara at March 19, 2009 09:30 AM

John was, and will always be, a man that we should all look to as an example. Clearly, he set the standard. John was one of my first contacts locally when I entered the business world. I am a better business person because of that. He will be missed greatly. From all of us at Gregory & Associates, and from all of us at the Hopewell Humane Society, God Bless You.

Posted by: Donald R. Lawton, Jr., CPA at March 18, 2009 08:26 PM