William Eddie Harmon

It is with great sadness that our community mourns the loss of William Eddie "Ed" Harmon, of Maryville, TN. At the age of 78, Ed quietly and peacefully departed this life, making his final journey home to his eternal resting place.

 Ed grew up in Maryville, was a native of Blount County, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Maryville High School. This once small-town boy would become a successful businessman and generous philanthropist, making a positive impact on many individuals throughout our East Tennessee community and worldwide.

While attending college, Ed discovered his love of travel. In 1968 he took his first trip to London, England and then to Greece. After graduating from both Martin Methodist College and then achieving his Master’s Degree at The University of Tennessee, Ed began his life long career and fulfilled his passion of helping others. He served as a guidance counselor for children attending the local school districts, then furthered his education and developed a career in real estate while residing in Pigeon Forge. After a number of years, Ed eventually decided to sell his successful business, retire, and return to his hometown of Maryville where he became well known by all as a philanthropist and dedicated community activist.

Ed generously supported many organizations and causes, both through his longtime membership with the Maryville Kiwanis Club since 2005 and through his personal connections and commitments. He provided numerous major gifts to aid in the development of needed programs throughout our community, and actively sought out ways to help others and to share the gifts that he was fortunate to be blessed with. If there was ever a need, Ed Harmon would eagerly participate in ensuring a way to fill it. He greeted everyone with a smile that would light up a room, and often closed conversations with loving generosity, frequently stating, "Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family". His generosity for helping others was boundless. 

From the development and dedication of the Blount County Children's Library, which he funded and dedicated in honor of his parents, to his financial support of the Holston Home for Children, Ed was passionate and committed to creating a brighter future for our youth. In honor of his father, who once passed out pennies to children, Ed was known for passing out thousands of oversized pennies to children all over East Tennessee. He relished the joy expressed by the children and the smiles on their faces as they received this unique treasure. The children appeared to think such a large coin held great value, but for Ed, the true value was their smiles, joy, and the simple act of giving. To Ed, those encounters were priceless.

Ed had an adventurous spirit and zest for life. He traveled the world three times over and visited every continent. If asked where his favorite place was that his travels had taken him, his reply was that he could not pick just one place because he loved the whole world. But as much as he loved exploring foreign lands and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime events, his home here in Maryville, Tennessee is certainly where his heart was, and would always remain. 

Ed treasured all things of beauty. He witnessed the extraordinary mountains in Japan and Costa Rica and viewed the magnificent ice formations of the North Pole. Beauty was also captivated around and throughout his home. He enjoyed his flowers and watching the birds, and inside, enjoyed his extensive collection of Ron Williams art depicting the Smoky Mountains. Many pieces of his art collection can also be seen and enjoyed throughout Blount County, as Ed graciously donated and loaned multiple pieces to Maryville College Clayton Center for The Arts, Martin Methodist College, Pellissippi Community College, The Blount County Library, and The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee.

In an article written in the Daily Citizen 2002, Ed stated "If I died tomorrow, I could say I have had a fulfilling life". He did indeed live an extraordinary life, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of so many others in the process. 

Ed was preceded in death by his father, J. Ed Harmon, his mother, Jannie Imogene Matlock Harmon, his brother, Jerry R. Harmon, and his sister, Gail Harmon Elmore. Survivors include Brother-in-law Edward Whitehead "Whitey" Elmore, niece Jennifer and her husband Rusty Tomenendal, and nephew Ted and his wife Annie Elmore, all of Richmond, Virginia. A very special thanks to Ed’s loyal and devoted friend, Dr. Tim Thurston, and to Ed’s special friends at Care Around the Block who endlessly made his days bright.

Ed's love of flowers was evident from the bouquets that were often displayed throughout his home and planted in his gardens. He would most certainly welcome floral arrangements at his funeral. However, as a true philanthropist, Ed would also appreciate donations, in lieu of flowers, to be made in his honor to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Maryville on Saturday, September 07. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm followed by the service at 4:00 pm with Pastor Jonathan Jonas officiating. Interment will be at 5:00 PM, Saturday, September 07, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience Friday, September 6, 2024 from 8:00 until 5:00 pm at Smith funeral & Cremation Service.