John Harral

John M. Harral breathed his last on the morning of December 26, 2020. John, 72, was a forty-three year resident of Gulfport, Mississippi. On Saturday around 9 a.m., John passed out suddenly in his home in Gulfport. By God’s grace, he was surrounded by his two adoring daughters, four spirited grandchildren, two devoted sons-in-law and his cherished wife. John started the day complaining that he had had trouble sleeping, a common complaint for all inquisitive men. But he loved to make Marge her morning tea, and that day was no different, bringing it to her in bed as he had done every single morning for fifty years. Sadly, John’s last day ended only two hours later, helping his 4-year-old grandson undo his pajama buttons. Even though John felt poorly and was minutes away from a heart attack, his last act on this earth was to help someone he loved - a fitting finale for a man who gave selflessly his entire life.

John was a man who perpetually sought knowledge. He consumed books on history, politics, leadership and many other topics. His nightstand always had several thick books at the ready, somehow reading them simultaneously. No doubt, he now knows - or is learning - the answers to all of the universe’s biggest questions. We hope that he is now in deep conversation with Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, asking his signature questions that were both insightful and thought provoking.

John leaves behind a vast hole in his family and community. He lived his life with optimism, generosity, kindness, and flair. His ties and socks are legendary. John was also a true gentleman, always opening doors and standing when a lady left the table - a lost art. John was supportive and excited and interested in every conversation he had with his friends, both new and old. Friends left those conversations compelled to be better versions of themselves, because John sincerely wanted to challenge their thoughts and light fires of optimism in those he touched.

John had the amazing ability to listen when you told him you had a problem; he would truly listen. Not in the way most of us do while checking our phones or thinking about the next witty thing we will say. Rather he listened in a full-on-turn, angling his body towards you in a “lay-it-on-me” kind of way. Consequently, John’s advice was highly sought after from friends and loved ones. His list of younger friends that called him a mentor is extensive. He was the kind of leader who appreciated and learned from engaging with others. But if you gave him a long enough pause, he wouldn't hesitate to fill the void with his loud-as-a-lion voice or one of his legendary stories. John was a brilliant orator who was quick on his toes, two of the many attributes that made him an excellent lawyer.

John was born in the Panama Canal Zone, the son of Rear Admiral Brooks J. Harral of the United States Navy, and Sally M. Harral. In his youth, he lived as a military child, moving frequently, and he spent his teenage years in Moorestown, New Jersey. He was the youngest of four, using his charm and quick wit to get away with murder. John loved his father and was forever proud of his father’s service in the Navy. John’s teenage dream was to be an Air Force pilot. When that dream was dashed by his poor vision, John ultimately found a way to follow in his father’s footsteps by serving our country as an officer in the Navy JAG Corps. Prior to his military service, however, John moved to Mississippi to attend Ole Miss, where he met the great love of his life, Marjorie (“Marge”) Van Fosson. While in Oxford, John wooed Marge with his 1958 Corvette - another of the great loves of his life - and they married in 1970. After a few years in Norfolk, Virginia, John and Marge moved to Ackerman, Mississippi, where John clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit before settling down in Gulfport with the firm White and Morse. With years of forced moves behind him, he settled in, quickly laying the foundation of what was to become 43 years of community work for his chosen and final home of Gulfport, Mississippi.

John left behind an incredible list of accomplishments - as a lawyer, community and church leader, and mentor. John was a passionate advocate for downtown Gulfport, and he spent countless hours helping the city’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. John was just as devoted to his faith, starting his service as an altar boy in Moorestown. He began teaching Sunday school at the age of 19. He never took a break in serving his faith and, after moving to Gulfport, John landed at St. Mark’s Episocopal Church, where he continued teaching Sunday school and served as a lay eucharist minister and frequent member of the vestry for decades.
John was a long-time Rotarian, always on the recruitment hunt, aggressively encouraging membership and fostering community development. His questions were legendary and numerous. No matter who stood at the podium, knees would shake a bit when John Harral rose for “Q and A” time. Thousands of Gulfport school students met John over the years, though often he was dressed as one of many historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, or Dr. Tegarden, for these visits. John’s love of history was palpable, and he enjoyed sharing that love. He continued his service to the Gulfport School District by serving as the School Board Attorney from 2001 to the day he died.

John enjoyed surprises and relished creating special moments for family and friends. John loved sunsets, photography, standing out in the eye of a hurricane, driving fast on the beach, Halloween, chocolate, gifting Marge’s pralines, his Corvette, his miniature Daschunds, playing tennis, great food and wine, and spending time in the North Carolina mountains. Most of all though, John loved his family. A better father, husband or grandfather could not be had. The love and respect he fostered in his family will never be lost. If this obituary seems a little over the top, it is because it is written by his family with broken hearts at the loss of the greatest man they will ever know and were lucky enough to call dad.

John is survived by his loving wife, Marge; his daughter, Alyse Stevens, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her husband, Alan, and their children, Fuller and Tyler Brooks; his daughter, Jessica Cloyd, of Ocean Springs, her husband, Joe, and their children, Martha and Gaines; his brother, Brooks Harral; and his sister, Sally Sargent; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 11322 W. Taylor Road, Gulfport, Mississippi.

A service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church outdoor chapel.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com