Wilbur Everett Harkness, III

April 20, 1946 - October 4, 2020

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Wilbur Everett Harkness, III “Harky” of Midland, Texas passed away on Sunday, October 4th, 2020. Harky was born on April 20, 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia to Wilbur Harkness, Jr. and Carolyn Harrod Harkness. He spent his childhood years in Liberty, Texas where he made wonderful memories with life-long friends. Graduating from Liberty High School in 1964, he attended Abilene Christian College. After graduating in the summer of 1967, Harky attended the University Of Texas Dental School in Houston. He enlisted in the Army and served our country as a dentist during the Vietnam War in Augusta, Georgia. Following his service, he returned to Houston, opening his dental practice in 1972. Even in his final days, Harky would talk about how much he loved dentistry. His patients were extremely important to him. Retiring in April of 2016, he moved to Midland where he lived with and cared for his Dad.In Midland, Harky was an active member of the Westside Church of Christ. He adored the Lord and his Christian family. His strong faith was displayed in his everyday conversation. Serving others filled his heart with joy. In his earlier years, he went on various medical mission trips to Honduras and Mexico. Harky was amazed by God’s creation. He was an avid bird hunter and had many family and friends that enjoyed this hobby with him. Harky took beautiful pictures of God’s creation including scenery and wild life.He is survived by his father, Wilbur Harkness, Jr., his sister Janet Lary (Milton), his brother William “Bill” Harkness (Brenda) all of Midland. Nieces and nephew Nathan Lary (RaShea), Brittney Cohorn (Patrick) all of Midland, Kristin King (Jonathan) of Richardson, Lauren Ivanhoe (Kolby) of Katy, Brooklyn Shumate (Brady) of Dallas and 11 great nieces and nephews.Harky was preceded in death by his dearly beloved mother, Carolyn Harrod Harkness.The family would like to express their gratitude towards his doctors, the hospital staff at Midland Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Midland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Midland.A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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I just learned today that dear Dr. Harkness passed away five years ago. He was my dentist in Houston for over 20 years, until he retired. He was truly a special person--caring, down to earth, and honest. He would make my time in the chair seem short because he loved to talk, LOL! He was a good dentist and a good person. God bless him.

I just left a comment about Dr. Harkness. We are brokenhearted.

He was a fantastic, fantastic dentist. He took care of me when I was so young, and so poor. I learned through the years that he never charged me a penny except for the costs when I was so poor. He was my dentist for all my adult life, even after I moved to Europe. He was a gift to know. I nominated him to be one of the "1,000 points of light", and now he is. It was a privilege and a gift to have known what a fine and wonderful man. A true gift he was. And now we are heartbroken. We think of him every time we see African violets. What a great, great honor to have known him. Our best regards to the family.

Just saw the obit. Sorry to hear his passing but glad to know he was welcomed in heaven. He was my Dr. (Dentist) for almost 20 yrs. My only Dr. Always a gentle, caring guy with a good sence of humor. Smiles to his family.

My parents knew Dr. Harkness from Liberty High School and I was a patient of his for years at his dental practice. I had just been thinking that it had been a long time since my last email from him, so I searched and was saddened to find this page. Please accept my condolences.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.