07/27/2026
One of the biggest blessings to come out of my journey at the Merc, was my friendship with Harley. He visited on Sunday afternoons and we would often share a Diet Coke and he would share his stories with me, long after closing time. We would close down the shop and then I would walk with him to his car and we'd spend more time out there in the street because we just never wanted it to end. 
Harley was 102 years old. I met him just two months after he lost his beloved wife Katy. He is a local hero in Pangburn and everyone knows him. I'm grateful for the short four years with him. he was very outspoken about his service to our country and World War II, he also served as a teacher and a principal. I will forever treasure all of the life lessons that he shared with me, his words of advice, his concern for my well-being, and his service to our country.
Harley was full of incredible memories, common sense and a genuine wonder about the human experience. He loved his Katy so very much and he missed her when she left. He valued friendship, hard work, routine and keeping busy in his later years. He had a very high tolerance for pain, especially when it came to his shoulder. He also had a very strong tolerance for grief. We talked a great deal about his beloved Katy and all of the friends that he watched go before him. It was not lost on him that he was the oldest person in the city of Pangburn and that he had outlived everyone he knew growing up, he spoke of that loneliness often. But his capacity for enjoying his life was significantly stronger. Harley set a good example for me of perseverance on earth and hope of heaven. Our conversations were filled with things in life that really matter, relationships, faith in God, love, taking care of ourselves, and living in the moment.
He loved our Merc and he drove from searcy every week to visit. Yes, he was still driving when I closed the shop! We should all hope to age as well as Harley did. Our young team loved him and I hope they benefited from his perspective and stories as much as I did.
I will miss his hugs and his company and I will always remember him as a friend that God sent my way when I needed a reminder that all would be well. Harley, I hope that you are dancing with Katy and catching up with all of your friends! I know that your shoulder no longer hurts, your eyes are healed and everything tastes like sugar!  Every time I see a Diet Coke or a bowl of gumbo I will remember our conversations and smile. See you in heaven Harley ✝️❤️I love you.
