William Dennis Harmon: A Life Dedicated to Service, Justice, and Knowledge

William Dennis Harmon, a beloved member of the Columbus, Mississippi community and a fierce champion for justice and service, passed away on November 6, 2025.  Born on January 28, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, Dennis was the son of the late Lois Ellen Bowden and William Elbert "Chief" Harmon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

A proud alumnus, Dennis attended Shades Valley High School in Birmingham before being placed in the Research Learning Center (RLC).  He earned a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Auburn University, where he distinguished himself by earning the Hess Award in 1979 and was a dedicated member of the Delta Sigma Rho Tau Kappa Alpha Forensic Attainment Honor Society and the National Forensics League, securing numerous awards and honors in forensic debate.

His passion for advocacy led him to the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he earned his Law Degree while also serving as the school's debate coach.

Dennis's career was marked by extraordinary dedication to public service and law. He worked for Governors Cliff Finch of Mississippi and Don Siegelman of Alabama and served as the Election Commissioner for the State of Alabama in 1980. Trained as an engineer, he worked for Alabama Power and BOCCO for the eastern seaboard.

His legal career was vast and distinguished. He was admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals 5th District and was an attorney for the District Courts of Northern and Southern Mississippi, Northern and Southern Alabama, as well as the Supreme Courts of both Alabama and Mississippi.

In Columbus, He collaborated with attorney Wilbur Colom in the 1980s before opening his own law office on Main Street as a defense attorney. He served two separate time frames as the City Prosecutor for Columbus, Mississippi. An advocate for community safety, he was instrumental in founding Columbus Crimestoppers.

Dennis had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, reading widely and constantly. He was renowned for his sharp mind, as he "remembered everything and forgot nothing." His legal practice was defined by a profound commitment to doing "the right thing." Fearless in the courtroom, he "fought for those who could not fight for themselves," loving any trial that would bring him before a jury, and famously taking on more pro bono cases than paid ones.

A dedicated member of the community, Dennis achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as a recruiter for the Auburn Engineering School and was a member of the President's Club of Alabama and the Association of Trial Lawyers.

He was a devoted member of fraternal organizations, including the Oddfellows, the Masons, and Shriners (Columbus Lodge No. 5, F & A.M.), and was a Noble of the Mystic Shrine Hamsa Temple in Meridian, MS and a Past Member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor.

Motivated by the violence against women plaguing Birmingham in the 1980s, Dennis opened two private self-defense training companies, where he taught women self-defense free of charge. He also had a recognizable voice on local radio, announcing football games in both Birmingham and Columbus.

Dennis was a beloved and committed member of the First Presbyterian Church (PC-USA) in Columbus, MS for 33 years. His service to the church was tireless and exemplary: he served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Session, a member of the Administration and Finance Committee and the Christian Education Committee and taught both youth and adult Sunday School. He also provided lay pulpit supply at Presbyterian churches in Louisville and Hamilton, MS, and was honored with the title of Elder Emeritus by the church in 2024.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William E. ("Chief") and Lois Harmon of Vestavia, AL and his younger brother, Dr. Harvey Harmon of Birmingham. He is survived by his wife, Jane Austin Harmon; and his nieces, Elena Harmon Wisse and Christina Harmon Hontzas of Birmingham, and nephew, Dr. Riley Austin of Northport, AL.

A true animal lover, Dennis rescued any animal in need, including 125 greyhounds, cats, dogs, opossums, raccoons, a tree frog, and countless lizards.

Dennis Harmon will be remembered as a man of great intellect, immense generosity, and unwavering courage, who was never motivated by wealth and whose legacy is one of selfless advocacy and profound care for his community.

In lieu of flowers, do a good deed for someone less fortunate or make a donation to First Presbyterian Church, 3202 Bluecutt Road, Columbus, MS 39705 in his memory.