Robert Earl Harman, Sr.

Click Here to Download a free funeral planning guide.

Celebrating the life of
Robert Earl Harman, Sr.February 11, 1923 - June 30, 2015

SAVANNAH - Robert Earl Harman, Sr., 92, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2015, after a short illness. Born on February 11, 1923, in Nashville, Tennessee, Bob was raised in Athens, Alabama, and later moved to Savannah with his parents. Graduating from Athens High School in 1941, Bob entered the US Air Force serving in World War II as a flight engineer with the US Army Air Corps, 5th Air Division, flying B-29s. After his service concluded, he attended the University of Georgia graduating in 1951, with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduating, Bob commenced a professional career of nearly 50 years designing and building a broad array of residential and commercial buildings in Savannah, Hilton Head, Brunswick, and St. Simons Island. He organized and owned the contracting firm, Structioneers, Inc., which received national recognition for the quality of its construction programs and products.

Bob served as Chairman of the Savannah Airport Commission where he helped develop and design the current Savannah airport terminal. He also was Commodore of the Savannah Yacht Club, and he served on the Savannah Ports Authority Board and as Chairman of the Chatham County Zoning Board. Bob was a member of Skidaway Island Methodist Church, the St. Andrew’s Society, and several social clubs.

Bob remained a pilot after his military service flying his own planes until the age of 77. He also was an avid boater captaining for years a series of boats all named “HighFlight.” He became at the age of 60 an avid snow skier until ceremoniously retiring from the slopes at the age of 80.

With his retirement from the design building business, Bob returned to painting which he had nurtured at the University of Georgia, studying under Lamar Dodd. His design work over his 50-year professional career was evident in his artwork and drew upon his expansive travels, in particular in France. His work became celebrated in Savannah and he contributed many works to charitable groups.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joanne Durrence Harman, a son, Robert E. Harman, Jr. and his wife Janet G. Harman of Savannah, a daughter, Cynthia H. Conner and her husband Frank M. Conner III of Alexandria, Virginia, three granddaughters, Katy H. Moser and her husband Robert D. Moser, Jr. of McLean, Virginia, and Isabelle D. Conner and Cynthia C. Conner both of New York, two great-grandsons, Robert D. Moser, III and Wilburn H. Moser, and two brothers, Douglas Eugene Harman and Walter Carl Harman of Savannah.

A memorial service will be held at Skidaway Island Methodist Church on Monday, July 6, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.

Immediately after the service family and friends are invited to B. Tilman, 6700 Waters Avenue, for a reception and celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions in Bob’s name to Honor Flight of Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 60176, Savannah, Georgia 31420.

Please sign our on-line guest book.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Submissions protected by Kanshi.

GUEST BOOK

I was so very sorry to read about Mr. Harman's death last night. Just a few weeks ago I tried locating him on the web as I had heard that he had been doing some painting. He certainly made some wonderful contributions with his life. think about you guys and all of the fun we used to have when you lived across from us on Ashley Road. My sincerest sympathies to you all. Sherry

- Sherry Clawson McClain, Savannah , Ga

While I never had the honor of meeting Bob Sr., I have known Bob Jr. for a number of years. He is a proud testimony of the great person his dad was. I pray that you will be comforted and that in time your grief and sense of loss will be replaced with many happy memories.

- Evan Rolek, Beavercreek, OH

On behalf of my family and Ricks Glass Company, Inc. of Savannah, I want to extend our deepest sympathy to your family. My Dad, Romie (RJ) Ricks went to be with the Lord at Christmas time 2012. He and Mr. Harmon were longtime friends. They shared the love of construction, but even more, a great love of flying. Bob and Daddy did many jobs together and I believe he built our building that we still are in. I know my Daddy would want me to reach out to you and yours in this difficult time. I understand your loss. Sincerely, Judy Ricks Cox

- Ricks Family, Savannah, GA

Joanne, I'm so sorry to read about Bob's passing. He was always one of my favorite people in the world. Please ake care of yourself, and let me know if I can help in any way. Jim

- Jim Repella, Savannah,, Ga

My sincere condolences to the family of Bob Harmon. I will always remember the good times we had snow skiing in Colorado. May he rest in peace.

- Roger Holden, Savannah, Ga.

Our sincere condolences to the Family of Bob Harmon. We will warmly remember him as a good and steady friend, a staunch family man and a true Southern Gentlemen. May he rest is peace.

- Jim and Sheila Gardner, Savannah, GA

So sorry to hear of "Big Bob's" passing. He was an amazing, multitalented man. Godspeed Bob; There's work yet to done.

- Neff McIntosh, Asheville , NC

TO MY LOYAL FRATERNITY BROTHER - REST ETERNAL !

- DUTCH HUDSON, SAVANNAH, GA

Dear Bob and Jan, so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I wish I knew him, he had a tremendous life. Our prayers are with you and your family. God speed. Gary

- Gary & Deborah Webb, Savannah, GA