W. Sylvester Harmon Jr., owned Harmon’s Body Shop
W. Sylvester “Little Vess” Harmon Jr. departed this life Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Bayhealth in Milford, comforted by a loving family. He was born Dec. 4, 1942, the only son of now deceased parents, W. Sylvester Harmon Sr. and Dorothy Mildred Norwood Harmon, in Harbeson. Little Vess was a quiet, reserved, tactical, and dedicated entrepreneur with a calm and focused demeanor.
Little Vess attended Warwick No. 225 Elementary School and graduated from William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in 1961. His industrial arts experience at Jason cultivated an interest in building and construction, leading to his enrollment at North Carolina A&T College to pursue a degree in architecture. It is noteworthy that Little Vess also developed a fascination with cars, specifically remodeling or detailing cars at this time. His interest in cars took precedence over his architectural aspirations, leading to a decision to return home and seek employment at DuPont in Seaford. Thereafter, Little Vess soon decided to leave DuPont, follow his instincts, and focus on building a home and a body shop.
Little Vess soon became the proud owner of Harmon's Body Shop. His steady hands, meticulous, caring nature and tireless work ethic created the formula for a successful body and fender repairman. Little Vess was recognized locally, county, and state-wide for his craftsmanship in body and fender repair, but it was his excellence in painting cars that cemented his legacy. In addition to Harmon’s Body Shop, Little Vess ventured into ownership of Indian River Auto Sales.
Little Vess found solace and delight in planting flowers and roses. His yard was a vibrant tapestry of colors, a testament to his passion for nurturing life and beauty. This passion was also evident in the preparation and maintenance of his lawn, a task he always approached with the same diligence as his work. Being a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association, he personally and through his business supported the NIA Dance Troupe and Nanticoke Indian Powwow.
In honoring Little Vess, let us remember the man who found joy in the simplicity of life, who cultivated beauty in every corner of his world, and who tirelessly worked to create a better life for his family and community. May his legacy inspire us to appreciate the small joys, work diligently, and cherish the beauty that surrounds us. Little Vess will be deeply missed but fondly remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his children, Tonoa Harmon, Stewart Harmon, Adrienne Harmon, Donald Feeney Jr., Junina Sullivan and Maria Harmon; grandchildren, Chad Harmon, Gerald Harmon, Cheyenne Wright and Jazmine Harmon; great-grandchildren, Jeremia Harmon-Bosley, Julia Negron, Lilah Harmon, Sage Coursey-Harmon and Sunnie Harmon. Also a special aunt, Marion Harmon; and a host of cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, March 16, at St. John Second Baptist Church, Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, with a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon. Viewing and visitation will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 15, at Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro. Interment will be held at Israel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lewes immediately following the service.
