Richard Thomas Harry, Sr (RT) 83, of Fluvanna County, passed away November 20th [2024] at home after a hard fought battle with Lymphoma.

RT was born in Newport, Pennsylvania to Arlene and Kermit Harry, February 16, 1941. He graduated from Newport High School in 1959 where he played basketball. He enrolled at the US Naval Academy in 1960. After one year he withdrew to enlist with the US Marines to join the fight in Vietnam before it ended without him. He spent one tour as enlisted, returned for another tour as an officer, and finally as a CH-46 Sea Knight pilot serving a total of 2 years and 11 months in Vietnam. RT was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam service medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Combat Action Ribbon, Air Medal with #25, and Vietnam campaign medal with device along with other decorations from his 23 years of active duty service. When he returned from Vietnam he completed his college degree at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. RT retired from the USMC in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His final assignment was as the military magistrate at Quantico. He was assigned the case for a wrongfully accused Marine who was later exonerated as part of the first case in the military to use DNA technology.

RT met his wife Donna, whom he thought was named Polly, on a blind date in Pensacola, FL in 1969. After his military career, RT, Donna, and their children settled in Fluvanna County where RT’s mother, Arlene, was born and raised. RT went on to open Midhaven Country Store outside Lake Monticello and several other stores in the Charlottesville area. He and Donna also invested in a real estate business together. RT was active in the VFW, serving as post commander for many years.

RT was most proud of his family, He was a loving husband to Donna for 55 years. He was a doting father and grandfather. He got the most enjoyment from spending time with his eight grandchildren. He loved attending their games, driving them to school, taking them to church, or going for ice cream. He always prioritized spending precious time with each of them.

RT had a very strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He shared his faith through his service and love shown to all he met. He was an active member of Effort Baptist Church, Palmyra, Va. He cherished his time with his men’s group. He also loved any opportunity he was given to lead childrens church. It gave him much joy to share a two dollar bill and a bible lesson with even his littlest friends.

RT was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene Haney Harry of Fluvanna County and Kermit Burdette Harry of Hattiesburg, MIssissippi, and his brother Kermit Harry, Jr. all of Newport, Pennsylvania.

RT is survived by his wife, Donna Marie Boone Harry, of 55 years and their three children and eight grandchildren. His children, Teresa Ann Harry and her son, Richard Remington Ward of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Richard Thomas Harry, Jr and his wife, Sarah deBondt Harry and their four children, Richard “Thomas” Harry III, Jackson Greye Harry, Mason John Harry and Foster James Harry of Troy, Va. Douglas Churchill Harry and his wife, Maggie Rauschelbach Harry and their children, Genevieve Grace Harry, Wyatt Douglas Harry and Hudson Churchill Harry of Anna, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Harry Johnston, of Newport , PA.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Hospice of the Piedmont for the care they provided during his final weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Effort Baptist Church at a later date, details to be announced.
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