Johnathan Dale "Farney" Harrison

Johnathan Dale Harrison (better known as "Farney") was born in Valdosta on December 13, 1939 to the late JP & Gracie Harrison. Farney and his siblings (Jack, Rose & Suzy) were raised at Ponce de Leon also known as Twin Lakes. Farney was an entrepreneur at a young age delivering newspapers to all his neighbors at Twin Lakes. Farney proved to be a fighter after being diagnosed with polio and spending many months at Warm Springs doing rehabilitation and learning to walk again. Upon graduation from Valdosta High School, Farney joined the Army proudly serving in Vietnam, Germany & Turkey. He finished up his 20-year military career by serving in the Air Force Reserves.

In 1981, Farney married Mary Catherine "Cathy" Barfield and together they raised their 4 children. Farney was a natural born salesman working for the Vernon Company for 43 years; finishing top 25 in the company for most of his career.

During the week, Farney would often be found in Hardee's with some of his good buddies enjoying breakfast and talking about local happenings. He also enjoyed serving his community through the Kiwanis club. One of his favorite times of service with the Kiwanis Club was assisting the Salvation Army with their Red Kettle campaign. He would joyfully ring the bell for hours and greet each person with a smile (and quite possibly a joke) On the weekends, Farney could be found meticulously caring for the yard of his childhood home at Twin Lakes. He also enjoyed listening to Larry Munson call the plays of his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. His most favorite times were spent with his children and grandchildren down at Twin Lakes. He loved cooking out and hearing his grandchildren squeal and play as they swam around in the lake...his happy place.

Farney was a member of First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and, also led Bible study. He made sure that everyone felt welcome and to remind them that they are loved by Jesus.

Farney is survived by his wife Cathy. Their children: Tracy (Kyle) Weitala, Suzanne(John) Feazell and Chad(Christina) Harrison and Whit Vickers; their grandchildren: Derieck Daniels, Trevor Daniels, Nick, John Mark, Noah and Sarah Grace Harrison, and Lauren and Will Vickers; bonus grandchildren Jonathan and Kayla Britt, and Kory and Cindee Weitala; brother-in-law Bob Scheuring. Farney was also blessed to have six great grandchildren and four bonus great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Rose Harrison Henry, Suzy Scheuring, and brother Jack Harrison, brother and sister-in-law Howard and Dorothy Harrison, and parents-in-law, Norvell and Louelle Barfield.

The family is deeply appreciative to Hospice of South Georgia and the caregivers at Home Instead. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Farney's honor to First Baptist Church Valdosta to aid in the rebuilding of the Sanctuary that was recently damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Funeral services for Farney will be held at 11am on Friday, October 11, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Mac Weaver, Dr. Chuck Owens, Rev. Dennis Massie, and Rev. Carrol Joye officiating. Burial will follow at Lake Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home