William Harry Harward

Published 11:26 pm Tuesday, August 14, 2018

William “Shoot Fire” Harry Harward, 81, passed away Aug. 13, 2018. He was born in Wadesboro, N.C., the son of the late Benjamin Harward and Louise Bradley. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Amanda; sister, Nancy; and brother, Ronald.

William was a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army, having served two tours in Korea and one tour in Vietnam. After his 20-year career, William hand built his own house. When completed, he opened owner-operated PVS Automotive. He spent the next 25 years buying, repairing and selling cars. He also had the patience to pass his auto repair skills on to any younger person who wanted to learn.

William was a wonderful man who enjoyed all kinds of racing and riding motorcycles. He loved spending time with his family. He also considered it his civic duty to question the workings of the Suffolk city government and spent lots of time writing letters to the local newspaper and attending City Council meetings.

William is survived by his wife of 59 years, Penny Mitchell Harward; daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie and Kenny Barnes, Sharon and Everett Revell; grandchildren and their spouses, Sherri (Matt), Kim (Tomas), Amy, Everett and Ciara; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Zyana and Brady; sisters, Betty, Barbara, Mona, Dot and Brenda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Frank Jennings officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church in Chesapeake. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.