Mitchell Louis Harter, Jr., 72, of Seminole, died at his home May 18, 2016. A Florida native who grew up in Largo, Mitch was known in the community as a teacher, coach, businessman, and friend. He was a world-class fast-pitch softball pitcher who began with the Clearwater Bombers as a teenager and pitched for teams throughout the Southeast. In 1992, he invested his own time and money in a revival of the World Champion Bomber team. Mitch was a graduate of Largo High School and Middle Tennessee University, and received a Master’s Degree at West Georgia College. He taught Physical Education at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, and coached pitchers in local fast-pitch teams as well. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marguerite; his son, Michael Harter; his daughter, Katie Combs; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Martha Adels and Elaine Weiser; and a brother, Danny Harter. Viewing is 1 pm Tuesday, May 24, at Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd, Largo. The funeral service will begin there at 2 pm, followed by interment at Serenity Gardens, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo.
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My deepest condolences to the Harter family. My thoughts and prayers will be for you and I am deeply saddened for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mitch Harter. Mitch and I first met as teens when we played together on the Bombers Firefighter team. I had the pleasure of catching him numerous times. We both went onto play Major League fast-pitch softball and Mitch was one of the best of his era. I probably saw Mitch for the last time 6-7 years ago (moved to Alabama four years ago). I pray for his family and will be present in spirit. Mitch and I will play softball again in Heaven. Bill nixon
It is with sadness that I am writing this note about Mitch Harter. I have had the pleasure of playing with Mitch as a member of the Clearwater Bombers, against him when he played with Atlanta, and to know him as a friend off the playing field. His passing means a spark, and energy has left any gathering of the Clearwater Bombers. Anytime I was in a group or when we spoke one on one, Mitch was the center of of the conversation. His stories, and jokes lightened up any group or activity. As a teammate I knew Mitch was going to give everything he had to winning the game. As a teammate that is all I ever wanted from from a fellow player. I know he will be missed by his family which Mitch often talked about with a great deal of pride. He will be missed by his teammates as well as those he competed against!
I have known the Harter family since childhood and I know he will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and all that knew and loved him.
God be with you all! Wonderful dad, husband, teacher, coach, friend, and “buddy”. You will be sorely missed!
My deepest sympathy to Marguerite and Children, my thoughts and prayers will be with your family.
I had the privilege of playing and working with Mitchell. It was always an adventure and fun.He always had a joke or story to lighten the moment. On the ball fields he was all business.A great competitor.He will be missed
I was very surprised and saddened to hear of Mitch’s death. I have had the pleasure of playing golf with him as well as our many conversations at the Europa Cafe. The smiling picture is indicative of Mitch’s outlook on life. I could always count on his smiling face and his genuine concern for any problems I may have had. He was a pick- me -up in the morning for the days coming events. He will be sorely missed and I will be reminded each morning as I look for his “Bently” in the Europa parking lot. God bless.
Mitch,
He was a great man, a gentleman. He lived to get the most out of life. He would stand his ground when needed and he trusted people sometimes to a fault and there were those who took advantage of his trust. He was an outstanding athlete who could scratch a round of golf and had one of the greatest pithches, ever, and yet the honor of a Hall of Fame bid, which was so seriously deserved, was never granted to him.
Never losing his will to get the most from a situation, over the past few years, Mitch, fell into some difficult times mostly stemming from some ill-fated relationships with some self-serving, self-righteous individuals. To those who took advantage of Mitch, know this, in 100 years none of us will be here and in that time you will also meet your Maker where there will be no more veils to hide behind, no more excuses justifying why you could take from one family to feed your own intentions.
There is a magnificent thing that all the manipulators nor Hall of Fame could not steal from Mitch and that was Mitch’s spirit, his humor, his genuineness, his wanting to get the most out of life and wanting the best for those he cared for. It is those things that will keep Mitch close to our hearts.
We will miss you my friend.
Someday I hope we meet again.
God Bless.
Mitch Harter was a great friend to many, a good and kind person, and an outstanding athlete who did not get the recognition he deserved as a player. There cannot be a better way of honoring his life and legacy then to have him inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously. It is fair, it is just, it is right, and it is more than well deserved.
To Marquerite your children,grand children and all your family our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Mitch was my close friend and cofindant for almost twenty years.
I will miss him but will never forget his friendship and kindness.
Rest in peace Buba.
Lost a great golfing friend, and a really good good man of his word. My heart is out for the family. From friend in Iowa
Our thoughts an prayers are with all His family.
Margarite, Katie know we love you.
So sorry for your loss he was one amazing father and husband and the light of any famliy get together always never a doll moment always making some one smile even if they were sad you will never be forgotten love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hey Marguerite and family,
So sorry to hear about Mitch. We regret we missed the funeral service. We did not get the details until today. He was always the life of the party and we know he is enjoying the party of his life in the awesome presence of the Lord.
We love you, Dan and Dianne Coflin