Forrest Charles "Sonny" Harkness

Forrest Charles Harkness, better known as “Sonny” was born on December 17, 1931 in Jackson, Michigan. He was one of four children born to the union of Forrest Bowen Harkness and Dorothy (Alden) Harkness. Sonny attended Milford High School in Milford, Michigan graduating with the class of 1951 and immediately answered the call to serve his nation, enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. He proudly served his country with distinction during the Korean War from 1951 until 1954. After receiving his Honorable Discharge Sonny re-enlisted as a reservist from 1954 until 1959. While enlisted Sonny achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned several service medals including the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Korean Regional Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the United States Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal. A true patriot Sonny loved his country.

To provide for his family Sonny was a supervisor with the Ford Motor Company working at their Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He worked for more than forty-four years from 1954 until his retirement in 1998. While employed by Ford, Sonny attended Washtenaw Community College earning an Associate’s degree in Applied Science.

On March 6, 1984 in Toledo, Ohio Sonny married the love of his life; the former Patricia Ann Janes and together the couple was blessed to blend their family of seven children. Their union was a source of great joy and strength. Sonny was a faithful member of the Stewart Road Church of God in Monroe, Michigan where he served diligently until his health prevented him from attending. He continued to find solace and strength in reading God’s word and engaging in daily prayer. Sonny loved the outdoors whether he was hunting deer and turkey up in Atlanta, Michigan, trolling Lake Erie hoping to hook a nice walleye, or meticulously taking care of his lawn, but above all he treasured spending time with his family.

Forrest Charles Harkness, age 93 of Dundee, Michigan peacefully passed away at home in his sleep on Wednesday; March 5, 2025. He was surrounded by his beloved family. His passing was preceded by his parents: Forrest and Dorothy Harkness; a son: Keith Janes; a daughter: Teresa Harkness; a brother: Donald Harkness; and a sister: Cecila Perch.

To cherish Forrest’s memory he leaves a loving wife of forty years: Patricia Ann Harkness of Dundee; seven children: Charles (Belinda-Jan) Harkness of Tecumseh, Michigan, Dennis (Kathleen) Harkness of Jackson, Tennessee, Ronald (Aren) Harkness of Tecumseh, Randy (Deborah) Janes of Imlay City, Michigan, Cheryl (Tim) Holt of Cummings, Georgia, Chris (Sarah) Bezdziecki of Dundee, Michigan, and Jade (Bradford) Perry of Erie, Michigan; one brother: Richard Harkness; seventeen grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren. Sonny was a devoted Dad and Papaw who will be greatly missed by all whom knew and loved him.

The funeral service will be at 11.30 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Cedar Grove Church, Cedar Grove Road, Chapel Hill, TN.  Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery near Chapel Hill, TN.

Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 203 South Horton Pkwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, (931) 364-2233 is in charge of arrangements.