"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Richard David Harter (R.D.), 66, of Vero Beach, FL passed away at his home on March 11, 2022.

Born to William Petrie and Dickie Herring Harter on May 18, 1955, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA, Mr. Harter was a Dougherty High School graduate. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1973-1977. He received his BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia and his Master of Education from Georgia Southern University. His career in marketing communications and public relations spanned 35 years and included: Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Swainsboro Technical College, President/CEO of R.D. Harter Marketing, Inc., and Public Information Director of Dougherty County School System. He retired in 2015.

Mr. Harter served his communities in many capacities including: Multiple boards at Dublin First United Methodist Church, Leadership Dublin-Laurens County, Board of Directors for Dublin-Laurens Meals on Wheels, Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Rotary Club, Dublin Laurens Arts Council, Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful, and Albany Symphony Orchestra. Other civic group affiliations and recognitions include: Dublin Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Dougherty County Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Leadership Albany graduate, United Way of Dougherty County, and Dougherty County Economic Development Commission. Over his lifetime he received many recognitions including the Anne Raymond Distinguished Service Award by the Georgia School Public Relations Association. He was also the winner of numerous Best in State Awards for Electronic (Video), Special Purpose Publications and Marketing Campaigns.

It was in junior high in Albany that Mr. Harter met Kim, the love of his life. They were married for 48 years and were blessed with two daughters and five grandchildren. Kim called R.D. her "Renaissance man" because of his great love of life and wide-ranging knowledge in many fields. He was first and foremost a child of God, and his faith was always evident in any conversation. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan who loyally and enthusiastically rooted for his Dawgs and got to celebrate their winning of the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship in January. He loved music of all kinds, but his all-time favorites were both rock-and-roll and Jimmy Buffett. He loved motorcycles and biking and spent many hours over the years exploring miles of trails and roads. He sought adventure, loved the ocean, and was a gifted writer and photographer. But his most cherished role was family man. His greatest joy was time spent with Kim, their daughters and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his faith, his love of life, family, friends, colleagues and for his quiet energy and ability to handle any situation with consummate professionalism and dignity.

Mr. Harter is survived by his wife, Kim Jackson Harter, daughters Daisy Harter Beaver (Bo) and Sarah Harter Akins, grandchildren Caleb Kangeter, Skylar Akins, Jackson Beaver and Adeline Beaver, sister Patricia Harter Lanning (Richard), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and multiple cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, William Petrie and Dickie Herring Harter, and his grandson Dawson Trevor Akins.

Visitation and graveside services will be held March 17, 2022, 9:30am at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in North Mims, FL, with Color Guard flag presentation and playing of Taps. Reverend Richard Lanning will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Flint River Baseball team in Leesburg, GA flintriverbaseball.com/donations or Wesley UMC Student Ministry at 825 N. Belair Rd., Evans, GA 30809

A few days before his passing Mr. Harter's daughter posted these words from "The Dance". They speak well to Mr. Harter's outlook on life: "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. Dance . . . I hope you dance."