Ronald Morris Harr

Ronald Morris Harr, age 76, of Abingdon, Va., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was the founder of Harco, Inc., a manufacturer of motor starter contacts, and was involved in every aspect of the business for over 30 years. He was also a purchasing agent for Jewell Smokeless. Ron was a private pilot and enjoyed flying, as well as reading, gardening, and music. He was a kind, patient, and caring man who eagerly anticipated the arrival of his beloved purple martins each spring. He was of the Christian Faith.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Kelly Harr; mother, Minnie Smith Ratliff; brother, Kelly Eugene Harr; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Mary Smith; and aunt, Nell Lundy.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Ella Ruth Helton Harr; two sons, Ronald Christopher Harr and wife, Dana, of Lander, Wyo. and Adam Patrick Harr and wife, Camilla, of Canton, N.Y.; two daughters, Valerie Sue Ringstaff and husband, Jeffrey, of Abingdon, Va. and Morrisa Dawn Nagel and husband, Scott, of Raleigh, N.C.; several half siblings; four grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Joshua Dane Ringstaff and wife, Megan, of Roanoke, Va.; Samantha Susanne Ringstaff of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Zoe Rose Nagel of Raleigh, N.C.; and Signe Perri Ammirati of Canton, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Virgie Marie Helton of Richlands, Va.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Greg Alderman officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246 Abingdon, Va. 24212, and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 2151, Memphis, Tenn. 38101.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the physicians and staff of Wellmont Health System. Ron appreciated the cards, thoughts, and prayers of all of his friends.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Ronald Morris Harr is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).