John Thomas Harpole died unexpectedly Saturday, April 29, at home of a broken heart.
John was born in Louisville, Ms, graduating from LHS in 1965. He met his best friend and future wife, Katherine, on a blind date at Hendrix College. John wooed Katherine to Mississippi State University, marrying at semester their senior year. After receiving their degrees in 1969, they moved to Memphis, Tn , where he worked for Union Planters Bank while she pursued her graduate degree. In 1973, they settled in Little Rock, raising their children while he worked for Dillard’s.
John loved golf, and spent hours away from the greens watching the golf channel. This Bulldog fan spent fall attending MSU football games and tailgating with family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed hours spent with Damon on the tailgate set-up crew, often spending twelve hours on campus. The duo liked to people watch. John enjoyed cooking and food in general, but his quick fix was a box of Cheezits.
In their 50s, the Harpoles hand dug a koi pond in their backyard and spent hours enjoying their fish. John and Katherine loved spending time with family in Pensacola, Fl, and Ackerman, Ms. An avid cartoon lover, John loved Minions and was looking forward to the release of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 featuring Baby Groot.
Predeceased by his wife, Katherine a.k.a. Precious, mother-in-law, Mary Noel, and father, Jeff Harpole, he is survived by daughter Katy Harpole Smith (Damon) of Pensacola, Fl; son Douglas (Stephanie) and grandchildren Conner, Julianna, and Carter of Little Rock; mother, Annie Harpole, of Louisville, Ms; sister Julia Oswalt (Gary) of Ackerman, Ms; sister-in-law, Martha Thannisch (Ray) of Little Rock; brothers-in-law Campbell (Van) of Charlotte, Nc, and Bob Walton of Batesville, Ar; and generations of nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 6, at Grace Presbyterian Church, Little Rock. A reception will be held after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Melanoma Research UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Slot 623-F, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, Ar 72205. To all of those who checked on Dad the last six months, we thank you.
