Donald Ritchie Harkey

Donald Ritchie Harkey, 74, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital.

Don was born August 11, 1949, in Albemarle to the late Ruby James Harkey and the late Ruby Jean Eudy Harkey.  Don was also preceded in death by his former wife, Deetsie Harkey; and daughter, Joanie Harkey; and nephew, Eric Rhodes.

Don is best known for his love of our Lord and he led many people to Christ.  He lived a life of servanthood.  Don was a proud Vietnam Veteran, retiring after 30 years as a Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.  While in the Army Reserves, Don also served in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for 40 years.  He was the first K-9 handler and the first military base recruiter for CMPD.  He was the commandant at the police academy and Captain in uptown Charlotte.  Don was a Stanly District Executive Director for the Boy Scouts of America.  He served as Deacon and Elder at Carolina Presbyterian Church and on the school board for Carolina Christian School for many years.  He was a current member at Prospect Baptist Church.  Most of all Don was a loving husband, dad, Poppy, brother and uncle.  He will be forever loved and greatly missed.     

Survivors include beloved wife, Janet Harkey of Albemarle; daughters, Jennie (Ashley) Furr of Stanfield; grandson, Mason Furr of Stanfield; brother, Larry (Linda) Harkey of Millingport; sister, Cindy (Terry) Rhodes of New London; and nieces, Terrie Holshouser and Sarah Palmer.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm  - 8:00 pm, Friday, October 27, 2023, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle.  Don will lie-in-state one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 2:00pm in Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Stoney Benfield.  Burial with military honors will follow at Carolina Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Locust. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Albemarle at https://prcstanly.org/want-to-donate/ or Samaritan's Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Harkey family.