Michael George Harmon

Mr. Michael George “Mike” Harmon, 69, of Murray, KY, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Visitation and memorial service will take place on Sunday March 12, 2023, from 2-5 pm. [Tributes will start at 3pm for those who wish to share their favorite stories and memories of the life of Mike Harmon] at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 713 S.4th Street, Murray KY 42071. 270-753-6800.

Born November 13, 1953, in Dallas, TX, Mike Harmon was the son of the late Wallace and Sybil Peacock-Harmon (who passed at the age of 103).

Mike is survived by his companion of 26 years, Dr.Thérèse Saint Paul, originally from Belgium and a French Professor at Murray State University; his sisters, Patricia Harmon-Albright of Kennesaw, GA, and Peggy Harmon-Sheehan of Downers Grove, IL.

Mike graduated from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. As an Electrical and Computer Engineer, he specialized in Optics and worked for startup companies in Albuquerque N.M (Chromex and ADOT). He also designed instruments for the Clinical Psychology Department at U.T, Austin and has several patents under his name, including a cutting-edge music pedal, which he later developed under his company name Black Box Pedals. He was an entrepreneur, a custom builder and a “Renaissance man” also: a writer, a musician, a philosopher.

Mike always found ways to use his talents. When he retired to Murray to be with Thérèse, constantly seeking new challenges, he wrote several books: The God of Reason (a series of ‘talking points” trying to reconcile science and religion) and the sci-fi work Coca-Cola, which is still on his computer...In Murray, he became a Consultant for Numeritex Displays, enjoyed informally advising several Engineering students with their final research projects (one was from Benin, another from Chad, and they are still in touch)... He also quickly became a well-known and sought-after house-remodeling specialist (Michael’s Miracles company) - while applying his skills to improving the lovely home he shared with Thérèse and their cats, and even built cat houses for the Humane Society Feral Cat Program...

Mike touched many lives, made friends with so many diverse people and still kept his childhood friends close. His dedication to music (bass guitarist, composer and song writer) created a strong bond within the local community. That younger musicians appreciated his talent, creativity and his philosophical outlook on life, is evident from the amount of sympathy messages that came pouring in at the announcement of his passing...

Fit and strong as a rock, Mike died on a beautiful spring Sunday morning, in a freak accident while cutting wood. Thérèse and Mike had made of point of living according to their heart: heating with wood, living simply close to nature, running in LBL, swimming in the lakes, backpacking the world, hiking up volcanoes and roughing it through Central and South America many times. Fearless, and a risk -lover, Mike was also an avid surfer. A true friend, a good counsel, a trusted reliable ethically impeccable person, he was loved by many. Everywhere he went, he tried to be of service, and put his amazing skills to repair anything that needed to be put whole and functional again. He had that same effect on people’s hearts and souls...

Mike, you tried to make the world a better place. You will forever be in our hearts.

· Here are a few of the comments from friends:

“Hard to think of a more selfless, giving, magical person than Michael Harmon. A brain, full of wisdom, bigger than his entire body– the only thing larger was his heart. I love you Mike “(Tim Peyton)

“There is a Mike shaped whole in the world right now" (Lloyd Walker)

“He is a wonderful, generous hearted, talented human being” (Cynthia Gayman)

“I loved Mike so much and felt as I was his kid. He saved me more than once and was a true light in this world” (Shaina Goodman)

“Brillance, cleverness, humor and thoughtfulness” and “seriously good at playing the guitar” (Peggy Fallon)

“A model on how to live your life exactly how you want and how to be kind and be there for so many people in the process and appreciate what you have and find joy in everything... I hope you are riding some waves wherever you are now my friend, laughing and telling the best story.” (Chelsea Hartmann)

“Life Well-lived”
don’t be afraid to dance
on the dark side,
or too timid to chance
a surf on life’s stark tide..
if you feel you don’t have a voice,
let your life lead your song.
live it like euphoria is your sole choice,
as love & serenity discerns no wrong.
breathe in, exhale,
no matter what the day brings..
breathe out, inhale,
life full of so many good things..
not to be taken for granted
by time’s flow interrupted,
seeds of love life planted
will assuredly grow unobstructed.
fulfillment knows no defeat,
and true peace trumps life’s sorrows
when we live it full & replete;
with no angst concerning
unconfirmed tomorrows.
the sun radiates a love bright
in symmetry;
one day we become that light
in memory.
inspired by such a beautiful soul,
Michael Harmon.
we all will miss U friend.
– Clifton Davis

Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St. Suite A, Murray, KY 42071, or the Murray Calloway Co. Animal Shelter. 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, KY 42071.