Birth date: Sep 3, 1943 Death date: Aug 26, 2010
William "Bill" Eugene Harkins was born September 3, 1943 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Harvey M. and Wilma S. (Summers) Harkins. Bill graduated from Lineville High School in 1961 and joined the Naval Reserves. He married Sue (Wilkins Read Obituary
Our memories go back a long way. Bill was a truly great neighbour, friend and co-worker back in Gander, Newfoundland in the late seventies. We also visited with Bill, Sue and family in Augsburg and Iowa. You will never be forgotten, my friend. Good memories never fade. Our thoughts are with Sue and the boys.
Bill was my first shop supervisor and mentor at Northwest, VA. He was a bit crusty on the outside, but had a heart of gold. He always kept me smiling, especially with his honest, irreverent attitude toward those in charge. I remember when he ordered a little over 10 feet of hexagonal brass rod per Navelex's direction. He went down to our 'management' office to pick it up and the Chiefs' questions ensued. Why did you order 10 feet of hexagonal brass rod Bill's response as he walked out the door is classic - 'For jobs I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.'
I served with Bill in Augsburg, GE. He was such a kind man - he was great at welcoming people, making them feel at ease. I am truly sorry; so few marriages survived the military life and I read that you were married 45 years! Wow, what a tribute and a legacy to leave your boys! May God truly Bless you with his divine PEACE during this trying time in your life.
Dear Sue and family, We'd like to express our sympathy at Bill's passing. We will always remember his joking manner when we worked with him in the BEQ while stationed at NSGA Augsburg. Quiet and unassuming he was not - which made interacting with him all the better! We were making plans late last week to make a trip out and were very sorry to have not been able to see him before Thursday. May you find comfort knowing that he's in a wonderful place and that you'll be reunited one day. Christopher and Christine Hamilton
DEAR SUE AND BOYS, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF BILL. GLEN WORKED WITH HIM IN AUGSBURG AND REMEMBERS HIM AS BEING VERY KIND AND FUNNY. GOD BLESS. NANCY AND GLEN NEFF
I was stationed with Bill in Augsburg, Germany. Sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
my Condolences to the family of Bill Harkins, from a fellow retired Senior Chief Petty Officer. God Bless your family
I was stationed with Bill at NSGA Augsburg Germany in the early 80's. He always had a smile and was never afraid to share his opinion. He was a great asset to the Navy as his skills were always leaving things better than he found them. We visited him at his home a couple of years ago...he will be missed.
