Jeffery "Jeff" Harmon

Jeffery “Jeff” Harmon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on March 11, 2025 at the age of 71 in Columbia, SC, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Jeff grew up and attended school at Rosewood, Hand, and Dreher before continuing his education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Psychology—though those who knew him best would argue his real degree was in common sense, practicality, humor, and kindness.

Jeff married the love of his life, Sue, in 1977, and for nearly five decades, they built a life together centered on love, laughter and an unwavering devotion to their family. Their greatest pride was their two sons, Mike (Catharine) and Brian (Lindsay), who, in turn, blessed him with seven grandchildren—Thatcher, Chandler, Porter, and Foster; Kellan, Everly, and Brooks. Being "Pop" to his kids and grandkids always reminded him of his own father.

Jeff was a man of hard work and integrity. He was an Eagle Scout, and the most prepared person you’d ever meet. He was an industrial roofer, a metal fabricator, a foreman, an electrician, a plumber and anything else you could imagine in his early years before joining OSHA as an inspector—where he particularly enjoyed walking into businesses, introducing himself with a straight face as being "from OSHA," and watching the immediate panic set in before revealing with a grin that he was actually a consultant there to help. It was a moment he never tired of, and it perfectly summed up his mischievous sense of humor.

Beyond his work and family, Jeff had a deep love for good music. Whether it was a classic doo-wop, a country legend, a classic rock hit, a gospel duet, a 60s folk anthem or anything in between, he believed life was too short not to enjoy a good song and when the right one came on at a special event or celebration, you could count on Jeff to “cut the rug” with his old friends and buddies, or to belt out a tune with one of his boys. He understood that music had a way of bringing people together, and he never missed an opportunity to make a good time even better by singing along.

He found joy in life’s simplest pleasures—traveling with Sue, spending weekends at the lake, and writing his famous "OSHA reports" from a beach chair on the shores of South Carolina. He believed in function over form, always choosing practicality and purpose over pretense. His love for his family allowed him to walk proudly as both a husband and father, never taking for granted the blessings God had given him in life nor aimlessly chasing empty ambitions of worldly possessions and prestige.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Julia “Judy” Harmon and Simeon “Wick” Harmon, but leaves behind his beloved wife, Susan Crist Harmon; his sons Michael (Catharine) and Brian (Lindsay) Harmon and 7 beautiful grandkids; his siblings, Mike, Pat, and Faye; and countless friends who were lucky enough to experience his warm smile, soft eyes and hearty laugh.

Jeff’s life was one of faith, humility, and devotion to those he loved. He knew Jesus, he loved deeply, and he never overcomplicated what was meant to be simple. He lived a good life, one to be proud of, one to strive for, and his legacy will carry on in the hearts of those he left behind.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on March 21, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. A visitation for family and friends will be held before the service beginning at 1:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Shandon’s “Go Missions” offering, or simply take a moment to enjoy the quiet of the lake, the rhythm of the waves, a long boat ride, a legendary tune or the laughter of family gathered together—because that’s exactly what Jeff would have wanted.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Colonial Gardens Memory Care community and also the caregivers of All Seasons Hospice for their loving care and support to both Jeff and his family over the last several years.