Joseph Harwood, 87, of Franklin, NC and Deland, FL, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017.

Born in Huntington, WV, he was the son of the late Stewart and Beatrice Moruney Harwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Edward Harwood and two sisters, AnneByrne Hodapp and MaryBly Jennngs.

Joe was in the fiberglass and boating industry for over 40 years. His passion was boats and boat racing which led to him owning Harwood Marine in Winter Park, FL. He later managed numerous boat manufacturing facilities and pioneered boat hull designs still in use today. While employed by a marine company, Joe designed and built one of the first fiberglass truck tops which later became known as Glasstite. At the time, it was considered one of the finest truck toppers available. Joe and his wife later opened Leclaire Marble together in Sanford FL. They provided custom cultured marble to some of the most exclusive homes and neighborhoods in Central Florida. After selling their business, Joe and his wife retired to the mountains of Franklin where Joe opened a gun shop which allowed him to follow his second passion which was firearms and hunting. The gun shop was later sold and is still in business. Selling the gun shop allowed him and his wife to travel and spend time with their kids and grandkids which was his greatest joy later in life.

Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth Lenz Harwood; seven children, Henrick Harwood (Mary), John Harwood (Sharon), Teresa Harwood, James Harwood (Lisa), Karin Roberts (Buddy), Susan Gibbs (Todd) and Rachel Houghton (David); two brothers, B. Thomas Harwood and James Harwood; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Franklin, NC on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com