DL Flt Sim Tech Thomas 'Tom' Harpring

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Flight Simulator Technician, Thomas ‘Tom’ E. Harpring

September 19, 1938 - January 30, 2013

Thomas Eugene Harpring hired on with Delta in June 1967 and retired September 1994. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.hutchesonsmemorialchapel.com/ Mr. Harpring had most recently resided at 53 Villa Rosa Way, Temple GA 30179-4227. Perhaps the best contact for personal condolences would be daughter Jo Harpring or DL retiree/ex-wife Sarah Harpring at

333 Oakland St., Decatur GA 30030-2430 ... (404) 377-1471)

 Obituary:

Thomas Eugene Harpring, 74, of Temple died January 30, 2013 at his residence. Born in Paris, IL, on September 19, 1938, he was a man of great experience, knowledge, talents, words, and positive outlook on life. Joining the United States Navy at 16, he traveled the globe; open to all that he encountered, one of the most stubborn yet non-judgmental individuals to walk this earth. He worked for Delta Air Lines in Simulator Maintenance for 27 years before retiring.

A beloved father and grandpa, he taught us the value of hard work, the spirit of giving, and about the kind of person we should aspire to be. He guided us with his open heart, and embraced all that he came in contact with. Such a giving soul, we have all gained so much from his wealth of knowledge as well as his story telling and life lessons while sitting around at family dinners. We were taught to use “balderdash” when we were frustrated and how to “piddle” when we needed something to do. We will truly miss his deep voice and presence in the room. He lived life with no regrets and always said, we “shouldn’t go should-en on ourselves” and we all have the power to choose how we view that which we experience.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Harpring, Robert Harpring, Joan Harpring, Betty Harpring.

He is survived by his daughter Jo Harpring, of Decatur, his loving ex-wife Sarah Harpring of Decatur, 4 step-sons, 10 grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.

The family will receive family and friends to celebrate his life at his daughter’s home Sunday afternoon, February 3, 2013 from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M.

In accordance with his wishes, the body was cremated, and in lieu of flowers the family requests that those desiring to do so make a contribution on his behalf to the American Cancer Society - 970 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA or to Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, P.C. – Carrollton Office - 157 Clinic Avenue, Suite 101, Carrollton, GA 30117.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.