Mr. Gregory Jay Harkness

Gregory Jay Harkness, 58, faithful servant of Christ, loving husband, father, and good friend to all, entered into eternal life on Thursday evening, November 11, 2021 at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. Visitation: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Tabernacle of Praise, 5010 Trimmier Road, Killeen, Texas, 76542, followed immediately by Funeral Service at 12 Noon. Burial will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Gregory Jay Harkness entered this world on December 1, 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri, born to the late J.W. Harkness and Delores Costello Harkness. He was raised in St. Louis where he graduated from Northwest High School in 1981. He received an Associates Degree in Music from Harris Stowe State University. Gregory served in the United States Army from 1983 - 1991. During his eight years of service, Gregory received the following awards: (ARCOM) Army Commendation Medal, (AAM) Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon for his service in Darmstadt, Germany. After his honorable discharge from the military, he worked 5 years for the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol as a dispatcher. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service for 21 years until he retired in 2019. Gregory met the love of his life, Rosalind, on Memorial Day, May 27, 1985. They married on December 28, 1985 and were blessed with two wonderful children, Jaylon and Justin. He was very active in his children's extracurricular activities and coached little league football and basketball from 1997-2002, where he was a mentor to many young men during that time. Gregory joined Killeen United Pentecostal Church under Pastor William H. Dean He remained a faithful member of the church, until he was called Home, and was a part of the praise and worship team and also played the drums. Gregory loved to make people laugh, always had a smile on his face, and was willing to help anyone in need. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and would be at the opening game any chance he could. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important -- the simplicity of living a life for Christ and those you love. Gregory was proceeded in death by his parents, J.W. Harkness and Delores Costello Harkness; sister Karen Harkness Harris. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Rosalind Harkness; daughter Jaylon Harkness Garrett (James Garrett); son Justin Harkness (Kynesha Millender); sister Sharon Harkness; brother Keith Harkness; brother Daryl Reid; beloved bonus daughter Donella Courtney; and a host of adored nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.

Mr. Gregory Jay Harkness

December 1, 1962 - November 11, 2021