HAROLD HANS "HAPPY" LEHMAN Sr.

1931 - 2018

HAROLD HANS 'HAPPY' LEHMAN, Sr., 86

LAKELAND - Harold Hans 'Happy' Lehman, 86 of Lakeland passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday April 3, 2018.
Born in Newville, PA on November 5, 1931 to parents Ralph and Ruth Lehman. Harold was a successful business owner and dedicated family man.
After moving from Umatilla, FL, in 1944, Harold attended Lakeland Junior and Senior High School before enlisting in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon return to the states and being honorably discharged, Harold worked several jobs including a delivery man for Frenches Dry Cleaners and Gills Ice Cream Shop where he earned a place in his customers hearts.
Harold found his passion when he worked as a manager at Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q on East Memorial Blvd in 1964 and soon after he bought the restaurant. Harold's happy personality, cheerful disposition and nose for business helped make Jimbo's one of the most successful 'Family' owned restaurants in Lakeland. After 53-years, Jimbo's is still a Lakeland favorite and has been enjoyed by generations of loyal customers. Harold's passion and love for the BBQ business was instilled in his daughter Traci who carried on the tradition when Harold decided to retire. Now a third generation has started with Harold's grandson Tyson, who manages Jimbo's and his three granddaughters who currently work there.
On March 1, 1967, Harold married the love of his life, Carolyn Tapscott and together they began a 51-year love and life journey that included three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Harold loved to travel and after establishing the business, took his young family all over the Eastern United States and Canada, always making time to stop in his hometown of Newville, PA to remember his roots and see lifelong friends. It seemed anywhere Harold went, be it Georgia, North Carolina, New York or Montreal, there was always someone who knew him and came up to shake his hand.
In the year 2000 after 20+ years of fighting liver disease, Harold was given a second chance at life when he received the precious gift of a donor liver, making him the oldest transplant recipient (69) at Shands Medical Center. His transplant doctors gave Harold five-years with his new liver, but he defied the odds and exceeded that by enjoying life to its fullest for almost 18-years. Harold's exuberance for life, happy personality, selflessness and his knack of never forgetting a name or face will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Lehman (1886-1962) and Ruth Ebersole Lehman (1908-1972). He is survived by his wife of 51-years Carolyn T Lehman. Children: Tiffany Lehman Hutto (Billy), Traci Lehman Hughes (Lavon) and Harold Hans Lehman Jr. (Tori). Grandchildren: William Tyson Hutto (Janine), Olivia Charlene Mines, Chloe Elizabeth Mines, Molly Ann Mines, Harold Hans Lehman III, Jonathan Tapscott Lehman and Wes Sizemore Lehman. Great Grandchildren: William Hayes Hutto and Kase Michael Hutto. Siblings: Ardella Lehman LaManna (Roger, California), Donna Lehman Robertson (Bob, Jacksonville), Jay Lehman (Lakeland) and Frank Lehman (Janelda, Tampa); nieces, nephews and an abundance of longtime friends.
A visitation will be held at the Heath Funeral Chapel Tribute Center, 328 S. Ingraham Ave. Lakeland on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 4pm to 7pm.
The family has requested a private burial. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alliance for Independence, 1038 Sunshine Dr. East, Lakeland, FL 33801 or www.Afi-fl.org
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com