Stanley Lee Harter

Stanley Lee Harter, 78, of Penhook, VA went to be with the Lord at his home on Monday, September 1, 2014 due to neuromuscular respiratory failure in connection with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was born on October 12, 1935 to Irvin Clyde Harter & Esther Pauline Brewer in Sistersville, WVA. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He was an avid sports lover and enjoyed roller skating and bowling (including duck pin). Stan enjoyed reading and collecting Western novels. Many knew him as the “Puzzle Man” as he would build large puzzles which consisted anywhere from 1,000 to 32,000 pieces. He originally resided in Falls Church, VA until 1997 when he retired and moved to Penhook, VA, to be near his grandchildren. Stan retired from Greyhound Bus Lines and Safeway Grocery Store. He worked two jobs in order for his wife to be able to stay at home to raise the kids. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy Harter; daughter & son-in-law, Judy & Tim Allen of Rocky Mount; son & daughter-in-law, Richard & Peggy Harter of Centreville, VA; two grandchildren, Lizzie Allen & Ruth Allen. Stan had four brothers: Irvin Harter (Pam) of Christ Church, New Zealand; Kenny Harter of Sistersville, WVA; Jim Harter (Marjorie) of Paden City, WVA; Gary Harter (Vicki) of Wheeling, WV. Special thanks to Dr. Bumgardner, Dr. Mark Hagy, Medi Home Health (especially physical therapist Emily Brush & occupational therapist Vanessa Burnette), Lewis Gale Hospital 5th floor staff & Dr. Humerickhouse, University of Virginia Medical Center (Dr. Solorzano and the neurological team), & Franklin Carilion Hospice group (especially Karen Tosh and her words of wisdom). We especially thank our Providence Baptist Church family for their continual support. Many friends and family gave the greatest gift of all which was their time (a visit, a card, phone call, an email message, food, prayers). He knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and one of his favorite songs was “They’re holding up the ladder:” “They’re holding up the ladder that I’m climbing on I’m climbing up the ladder and I’m going home At the top of the ladder O what joy there shall be And the angels are holding up this ladder for me.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Baptist Church, 2861 Providence Church Road, Henry, VA 24102 in Stan’s name. A memorial service will be conducted from Providence Baptist Church, Friday, September 5, 2014 with Pastor Gene Chitwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. prior to the memorial service at the church. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount.