Joseph "Bill" Harman

Joseph William "Bill" Harman Jr. of Cincinnati, Ohio, born April 26, 1945 in Harrisonburg, VA passed away on August 18, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph "Joe" William Harman Sr. and his mother, Helen Rexrode Harman. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbra (nee Bean); brother Fredrick Wade Harman; nephew Michael (Donetta) Harman; niece Melissa Harman; brother-in-law Jesse Bean; Nan Phillips Kessner and Ruth Phillips Wilson, who Bill loved as sisters; Goddaughter Suzanne (Adam) Garcia. Also survived by many beloved cousins.

Born and raise in the panhandle of West Virginia, Bill took his degree in Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University to the GE Aviation Group in 1968, and spent his entire career contributing to the success of the CF6, GE36, GE90 and GenX programs. He will be remembered for leading aircraft studies to determine what AirBus and Boeing would need before they did, and as importantly, for always having the right point of view and accompanying wisecrack to buoy the spirits of those around him.

Bill enjoyed many activities over the years, but riding his Harley was his favorite. He traveled the world but was happiest at Shook Holler, a remote, one-room schoolhouse in the Appalachian Mountains used by his family for generations as a mountain retreat where they couldn't be reached by work. The time he spent there with this family, his best friends and their children and grandchildren were his most cherished memories.

There will be no formal service. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be made to SEM Food Pantry (donate online here), 2020 Beechmont Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230.

Online condolences may be made at www.tpwhite.com.