Dennis Drew Harton

Dennis Drew Harton of Spartanburg passed away at age 79 on December 4, 2021 from complications of Parkinson's disease.  He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and long-time member of St John's Lutheran Church.

Dennis was born in El Campo, Texas on December 17, 1941 to the late Heinede Thyssen and Einer Christian Harton, both of whom were immigrants from Denmark.  He grew up in nearby Danevang, Texas.  In 1966, he moved from Texas to Spartanburg while working for cotton broker and merchandiser Goedecke.  He met his future wife Linda on a blind date at the Beacon Drive-In in 1967.

Dennis was a successful small business owner who took great pride in his work and providing for his family.  He formerly owned and operated Sunshield Awning & Wrought Iron and Asheville Ironworks.  Dennis was a lifelong outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.   He particularly enjoyed fishing on his beloved Fripp Island for many years.  He was known to all as good-natured, generous and laconic which he punctuated with dry wit and astute observations. 

Pastor Erin Morris from St John's delivered a final blessing shortly before he passed.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Bonner Harton; daughter Hollie and partner Andrew Simpkins of Warwick, England; son Dennis Drew Harton Jr (Drew), wife Sonata and grandchildren Adelaide and Evers Harton of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Hospice and the Agape Upstate Community Hospice House for their kindness, care, and attention.

Private interment and services are planned for a later date at St John's Lutheran Church in Spartanburg. 
 
Contributions can be made to either the Danish Heritage Museum, 153 County Road 426, PO Box 368, Danevang, Texas 77432 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 415 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302.

'As once I loved you in my mortal flesh, without it now I love you still' - Dante's 'Purgatorio'