Edward Winn Harpe, age 90, of Gainesville, Florida passed away at his home on Saturday, February 27, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born September 9, 1925 in Statenville, Georgia to Reverend John & Lula Harpe. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Dorothy. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Carole of 17 years and her family who loved him as their dad & granddad and Ed’s 2 loving daughters Pam, her husband, Bill of Tampa, Fl. and Claudia; and their loving family members consisting of 5 grandchildren, Tricia, Cliff, Dawn & her husband, Tom, Shannon, Lindsey & her husband, Ryan; and 4 great grandchildren. Ed was a member of the First Christian Church of Lake Park, Georgia. He grew up & attended school in Georgia. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy & was stationed on the USS Natoma Bay Carrier in the South Pacific flying Hellcats. His strength was obvious early when the plane he flew was shot down in Lady Gulf& he survived 3 ½ days in the ocean before a Navy destroyer picked him up. That may be why he had no interest in going on a cruise! He was a partner in the Chrysler Dealership in Gainesville for 34 years until he retired in 2001. After retiring he served as a volunteer mediator for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He lovingly referred to it as the Eight Judicial Circuit Circus Court of Florida. He was a licensed pilot, a sustaining member of the UF President’s Council, Gainesville Golf & Country Club, East Side Garden Club, Past President of the Gainesville Automobile Dealers Association, member of Time Quality Dealers Association & belonged to the Tail Hook Association and the Decrepit Birdmen Club. He was, also, co-founder of the Shands For Kids Red Wagon Club. He will be remembered for being passionate about his loving family, and, also, by the many friends whose lives he touched. He loved taking his early morning walks & putting neighbor’s papers up by the doors. Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel with the family receiving friends for one hour before. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, Florida 32606.
