John T Harkness, Sr., age 66, of Jackson, GA, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Spalding Regional Medical Center. He was born June 26, 1946 in Ellenwood, GA to the late Steve and Daisy Ridgway Harkness. John was a member of the U.S. Army serving in Viet Nam. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, trucking, classic cars and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Southern Cruisers. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters. Mr. Harkness is survived by his wife, Sharon Smith Harkness; children, Susan and Dan Filer, of Fayetteville, Andy and Christy Essary, of Corinth, Mississippi, John and Rhonda Harkness, of Jackson, and Wesley and Denise Parker, of Monticello; grandchildren, Carolyn, Audrey, Samantha, Jack, Will, and Anna; 3 brothers, Joe Harkness, of Maryland, Sam Harkness, of Newnan, and William Harkness, of Jackson; nephews, Michael Harkness, of Atlanta, Christopher Harkness, of Maryland, Glen Parker, of Alabama; and several other nieces and nephews.. Funeral services for John Harkness will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Sherrell Memorial Chapel with Dr. Ed Hoard officiating. Interment will be at Fellowship Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 - 9:00 PM Friday evening. Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.sherrellfh.com. Sherrell Funeral Home is serving the Harkness family.