The Reverend William Everett Harner Jr., 88, of Reiffton, was called to the Lord on Friday May 8, 2015 while at home.
The oldest of eight children, he was born on August 12, 1926 to the late William D. and Pearl (Schaeffer) Harner of Pine Forge. To most, he was known as Bill. After graduating from Pottstown High School in 1944, he went to work. In December 1944, he was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served his country proudly until his discharge on August 26, 1946.
Bill moved back home to the Pine Forge area to marry his sweetheart and the only girl he ever kissed, Thelma Reinert. They married on July 5, 1947.
Bill attended Ursinus College from 1949-1953, majoring in history and political science, all while working the 11pm-7am shift at Dana Corporation. Following graduation, he attended the Lancaster Seminary from 1953- 1956 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1956 and Master of Divinity degree in 1970. He was ordained June 10, 1956 by the Philadelphia Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in his home church, Zion Reformed in Pottstown. He served as pastor in Shoemakersville, Gibraltar, Bethlehem, and Amityville. He retired from St. Paul’s UCC, Amityville on December 31, 1991. He last served as Pastor of Visitation for Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Boyertown.
Bill was a decorated man and enjoyed serving the Lord, members of the church, and many community organizations. He joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1957. He was a life member of Boyertown Lodge #741 F&AM, Hamburg's Vaux Lodge #406 F&AM, Pottstown Royal Arch Masons Chapter #198, Pottstown's Nativity Commandery #71, Valley Of Reading Scottish Rite Masons and Rajah Temple, Reading PA. He was chaplain of Rajah Temple for thirty five years and also was a former editor of Rajah News.
For most of his 88 years, he enjoyed watching, playing, and talking baseball. He cherished this love deeply, which he inherited from his father. As a child, he spent many long days playing ball. He shared his love for the game with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Loyally and lovingly by his side for 67 years was his wife, Thelma, his sweetheart and caregiver throughout their marriage. She provided stability and security during their blessed time as husband and wife. Together, they raised two children. He is survived by his wife Thelma, a daughter Dr. Kathy McCord and her husband Gregory and a son William E. Harner III and his wife Ruth.
He was a dedicated and loving Pop-Pop to all six grandchildren: William Everett Harner IV and wife Erica, George Harner and wife Jamie, Jason McCord and wife Heather, Dan McCord and fiancé Valerie Martin, Kristin Swartley and husband Mark, Kate Munn and husband Dan, and all twelve great-grandchildren: Adison, Reagan and William Everett Harner V, Travis and Gavin Harner, Teagan, Willa, and Mazie McCord, Kole and Reid Swartley, Hadley and Keenan Munn. Proudly, he baptized, confirmed, and married his six grandchildren. He also baptized all of his great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Robert, husband of the late Fern Harner, Louise, wife of Robert “Skip” Trainer, Merle, husband of Joy Harner, Marvin, husband of Shirley Harner, David, husband of Barbara Harner. There are also many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a sister, Joyce Weidenbaugh and brother, Russell.
We will miss him, his conversations, stories of the past, his prayers (a bit too lengthy at times), his love for his family, the Lord, and of course baseball. Although he was a talented shortstop on the ball field, he never fell short in his life and always made those he surrounded feel loved.
A celebration of his life and Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd UCC, Philadelphia Ave and Walnut Street, Boyertown, PA. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30-10:45 AM. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Pointe Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences may be offered at www.royersfordfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford, PA.