David Lawrence Harry entered peacefully into eternal rest on October 4th, 2019 after battling several illnesses. He was just 68 years old.
Originally from Bedford, Ohio, he grew up in Cuyahoga (Summit county) as the son of Robert J. and Evelyn (Cox) Harry. After high school he was drafted into the US Air Force in 1971, attending basic training in San Antonio, TX. His duty station ended up being MacDill AFB in Tampa where he was an airplane mechanic. David received his honorable discharge from the US Air Force in May of 1974. Honorable and dedicated service to his country was one of his proudest achievements.
David chose to stay in the Tampa Bay area since 1977 when he settled down in St. Petersburg. He worked mostly in computers and technology over the years spending time as a computer programmer, tech teacher and repairman until retiring in 2016. He earned over 100 computer certifications from IBM and Hewlett Packard. David and his former spouse, Pamela, shared 30 years of marriage.
Some of his hobbies and interests include going on fishing trips with Capt. Keith and his late brother Roy. Enjoyed daily lunch at Harvey’s 4th Street Grill and had so much love for owner Dan Harvey and bartenders Marc & Emily. Dave watched old war movies, NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. fan), Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, OSU Buckeyes, golf and his favorites Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and of course his beloved Tampa Bay Rays.
Some more of the things he was most proud of were finally Retiring, moving to Florida from Ohio, paper route buddy and first dog Duke and his son Joe who worked for the Rays and Rockies.
Family members who predeceased him include his parents Robert Jesse Harry and Evelyn Cox Harry; brothers Richard and Roy Harry; and former spouse Pamela.
David leaves behind a loving family including Joe Harry, Ken Harry, Lynn, Shawn, Brian & Anna Harry, Christy, Jessica, Lori Sidlo-Phile, Mike Nestor and the Grummit family.
From his son Joe: “Thank You to the Tampa Bay Rays for employing me for over 14 years. My dad loved that I worked in the clubhouse so much and almost never missed a game on TV. Thank You to his friends at Harvey’s 4th Street Grill, his late brothers Rich & Roy and Uncle Ken. Thanks Dad for always being there when I needed you. I’m going to miss you everyday.”
Service dates/times are still being worked out by David’s family. There will be a Celebration of Life at Harvey’s 4th Street Grill (day/time TBD). Also a tribute to his military service will take place at Bay Pines National Cemetery (day/time TBD).
Anyone who wishes to make a contribution in David’s memory are encouraged to utilize Venmo @David-Harry-51. Thank You for assisting during this most difficult time.
Arrangements handled by Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL. VeteransFuneralCare.com
Miss Me, But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road,
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.
For this journey we all must take,
And each must go alone,
It’s all part of the Master’s plan,
A stop on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me, but let me go.
