Raymond A. Harkness

Age 49, of Wellsburg, NY. Ray passed away November 20th, 2008 at home surrounded by his loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer. Raymond was born in Troy, PA to R. Merlin and Betty (Shuart) Harkness. Ray was preceded in death by his father; mother-in-law, Phyllis Rodabaugh; and his long-time companion, Patricia Lewis, who loved and cared for Ray and was a special part of our family. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Rodabaugh Harkness; daughters, Jennifer Fox and Tia (Bobby) Fuller; son, Joseph Ryan Harkness; grandchildren, Hannah Jade Fox, Dominic Isaiah Daniels, Leilani Nevaeh Daniels, and Troy Edward Fuller. Also surviving are his mother and siblings, Garrett (Jennifer) Harkness of Goose Creek, SC; Betty (Jerry) Soules of Anniston, AL; Stanley (Kathy) Harkness of Elmira, NY; Robert (Debra) Harkness of Temecula, CA; Deborah (John) Limoncelli of Horseheads, NY; father-in-law, Bob Rodabaugh, brothers-in-law, Clifford (Heather) Rodabaugh, and Bobby Rodabaugh; special friend and father-figure, Bill Lewis; family friend, Charlie Woodruff; several aunts and uncles; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins; and many friends. Raymond was a graduate of EFA and worked as a truck driver and mechanic for Lewis Transportation. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, fishing, camping, and vacationing in Maine, the Buffalo Bills, and Labor Day weekend at the Oswego Racetrack. Ray lived by the adage, "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all." He laughed easily and often, and will be missed most for his ability to make others laugh.Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, NY on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 from 7 to 9 PM and again on Monday, from 10 to 11 AM. Funeral service immediately following at 11 AM. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park will take place at a later date at the convenience of Raymond's family. Those wishing may make gifts in Raymond's name to the Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care Inc, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830, which has been providing care and emotional support for Raymond.A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for the family in obituaries at www.olthof.com . A Life Tribute video celebrating John's life can be viewed at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/40976. Leave a Loving Legacy at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.