William Howard Harkins

William Howard "Hoss" Harkins, 93, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024 at the Robin Johnson House. 

He was born in Union County, Georgia on August 10, 1931 to the late William McKinley Harkins and Nellie Garrett Harkins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara Jean Freeman Harkins; He was a veteran in the U.S. Marine. Howard retired from Gaston County School Bus Garage after 27 years of dedicated services and later worked for Akers Motor Lines.

He is survived by his son, Jeff Harkins (Tina Perry); and her children, Dan Perry and Renee Garner and their children; step grandson, Chris Lowery; step great grandchildren, Christopher James Lowery and Michael Howard Lowery; brothers, William Albert Harkins (Janet), James Claude Harkins (Maxine) 

Family and friends are invited to gather to remember Howard on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12th  at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Dale Lawing officiating.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont. Pallbearers will be Ricky Brooks, Chris Lowery, Dan Perry, Brent Macie, Jim Lewis and Shawn Minerba.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family. 

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com