Norman Robert "Whitey" Harlan

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my father, NORMAN ROBERT "WHITEY" HARLAN, of Montgomery, West Virginia, on November 17, 2025. Services will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at O'Dell Funeral Home in Montgomery, with visitation at beginning 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at noon.
Dad is preceded in death by his son, Norman R. "Rob" Harlan II, and his daughter, Stephanie Lynn Harlan; his parents, James Lester Harlan and Eleanor Bishop Harlan; his father and mother-in law, Gerald W. and Violette Jane Dillard; his brother and sister-in-law Richard "Dick" and Marian Thaxton; his brothers, James Lester ("Junior") Harlan, Jr. and Mark Dean Harlan; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Dillard Harlan; his daughter, Heather Gail Harlan and his chosen son, Joeseph M. Hardy; his aunt, Evelyn Schmitt; his sister, Hazel Lewis; his sister-in-law, Sandy Harlan (Junior); his brother and sister-in-law, Sanford and Virginia Harlan; his sister-in-law and widow of Mark, Marcia Ferrell Frangella and Chuck Frangella, his nine nephews; his eight nieces; his many cousins; and his chosen family, Ronda Keller, Veronica Cabrerra, and each of their children.
Dad was born at home in Follansbee, West Virginia, on December 27, 1938. I'm told, and believe, that he was a precocious child, so much so that my "Grams" sent him to school when he was only four years old. Dad graduated from Follansbee High School in 1956, and he earned a football scholarship to West Virginia Tech, where he lettered in three sports, including football, his most beloved sport. Because of his light golden hair, Dad's college football coach gave him the nickname "Whitey." I'm often told that Dad was a great football player, playing the positions of linebacker, fullback, and kicker in college. His love of football continued throughout his lifetime, serving as an assistant football coach at East Bank High School from 1968 - 1971; earning the award of Tech Alumnus of the Year; and being inducted into the WV Tech Hall of Fame. He proudly served as a founding member of the Golden Bear Athletic Club, an organization devoted to helping Tech athletes with college expenses, just as he was helped years before. I'm reminded of the many times that Mom and Dad had cookouts for the Tech football team and witnessed first-hand the many ways that they both helped Tech students over the years.
Dad was an avid golf player, starting out caddying at just eleven years old. He played golf at Tech, and spent much time on the golf course throughout his life with dear friends, such as John Loftis, Chuck Gooseman, Larry Slayton, and many others. Dad was the family cook and enjoyed creating and sharing dishes throughout his lifetime with not only family, but also with friends and members of the Montgomery community.
While at Tech, Dad met Mom on a blind date in 1959, and they were married at the Baptist Church in Montgomery on August 19, 1961, shortly after he graduated from Tech. This past August, they celebrated sixty-four years of marriage. I've often said and heard from others that my parents were uniquely qualified to be each other's life partners.
Shortly after college, Dad enlisted in the United States Army, where he served both home and abroad. Dad was proud of his military service and was greatly inspired by his late brother Mark's exemplary service. Dad began his professional career teaching history at East Bank High School. While there, he utilized the G.I. Bill to earn a master's degree in labor relations and industrial studies from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and West Virginia University, taking classes at night and during summers.
In the mid-1970's, Dad was hired into management at Cannelton Coal Company. His time at Cannelton gave him the knowledge and experience to start his own company, Harlan Arbitration Services, where was a respected neutral labor arbitrator from its founding in 1982 until his passing. Dad loved being an arbitrator, had an impeccable work ethic, and was a proud member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. He often told me that he'd never retire.
Dad lived a life of public service, spending twelve years as a member of the Fayette County Board of Education and serving a term on Montgomery City Council. My grandparents instilled in him a spirit of quiet generosity. Throughout the years, I heard from students whom he encouraged to attend college, families whose child he helped while on the Fayette County Bd. Of Ed., and folks who remained grateful for employment opportunities he'd given them. Having grown up in the Church of Christ, a nearly fifty-year member of Montgomery United Methodist Church, and a member of other important spiritual organizations, Dad knew God, believed in the power of prayer, and practiced gratitude on a daily basis. He was also a member of the Coal Valley #74 Masonic Lodge, where he was a Master Mason.
While serving on the Montgomery City Council, then Mayor Melba White gave Dad a "Father of the Year Award." He told me many times that this was his most treasured accolade and indeed, it is well deserved. I've often said, and wholeheartedly believe, that it simply isn't possible for me to have had a better Dad. He was, and remains in spirit, my rock. Whether by cooking our meals with love, driving my brother and I to school daily and helping us with our studies, or by taking us sleigh riding for countless hours, my Dad gave us the most valuable gift of all time. Dad freely, consistently, and lovingly gave my brother and I the gift of time, and for that I'm forever grateful.
I love you Dad with all my heart. You will remain in Spirit through love and your stories.
Love, Heather