"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has
prepared for those who love Him."
I Cor. 2:9
Memorial contributions may be made to Northlake Baptist Church Building Fund, 1505 N. Country Club Dr., Garland, TX 75040. Following is a portion of the obituary that appeared on the Rest Haven Funeral Home website.
HARKINS, RAYMOND L., beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend,
passed away at home on Sunday, July 18, 2004, with his family
surrounding him after a valiant fight with cancer at the age of 61
years. He was born September 19, 1942, in Krebs, OK, to Edna & Carl
Harkins, the second of 4 children. On September 24, 1960, Raymond
married his High School sweetheart, Donna Marie Acosta. They were
blessed with one child, David Lynn Harkins. The family moved to the
Dallas area in 1967.
Raymond was known to all as a hardworking individual, always setting and
achieving goals for the benefit of his family. Raymond’s love was felt
by all the members of his extended family. Everyone knew they could
depend on Raymond and he would always be there for them. In time of
need, sorrow or joy, Raymond was the rock to whom people turned.
Raymond and Donna founded R.L. Harkins, Inc. in 1976, which has enjoyed
tremendous continued success. Raymond & Donna were “partners” in every
aspect of life, including the business. David, to the delight of his
father, joined forces with his parents after graduating from Texas A&M
in 1984. Raymond considered himself blessed by the employees and friends
of R. L. Harkins, Inc. Raymond held all to a high standard of quality,
service and honesty.
Raymond was also an avid fisherman, involving family, friends and anyone
he could entice to hold a pole! Raymond was instrumental in establishing
a fall fishing tournament for the Painting and Decorating Contractors of
America (PDCA), whose proceeds are used for college scholarships. As of
2004, Raymond’s peers and colleagues have elected to name this event
“The Annual Memorial Raymond Harkins Striper Tournament” in tribute of
Raymond’s contribution to the goals of this organization and the
unfailing integrity he brought to the industry.
As servants of God, Raymond and Donna were current members of
Northlake
Baptist Church in Garland, TX, and prior to that were members of Victory
Baptist Church. Raymond enjoyed using his God given talents for the
Lord, serving on various teams and committees relating to the
maintenance and growth of the church.
Raymond is survived by his loving wife Donna, his beloved son David, his
cherished grandchildren, Dustin and Alissa Harkins; his mother, Edna,
one sister Acel Lea, two brothers, Paul and Stephen, Aunt Verna Shepard,
and a host of relatives and devoted friends.
Raymond leaves behind a legacy of wonderful accomplishments in all areas
of his life; professionally, spiritually and personally. As one of the
few remaining true “Cowboy Gentlemen” Raymond brought dignity, honestly,
loyalty, and love to every life he touched. Raymond will be truly
missed.