Our beloved Husband, Daddy, Grandpa, and PawPaw, Harold Head (the self-proclaimed Head man and Denzel of our area), stepped into eternity on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Harold Head was born on March 12, 1948 to the late George and Ruby Head, the youngest of 11 children. (He was known to say, in the words of a tv show dinosaur, “I’m the baby, you gotta love me.”)

After his mother’s death due to complications in childbirth and with the death of his twin brother, Howard, Harold’s care was entrusted to his grandparents. Following the passing of both grandparents by the age of 15, he ventured into adult life, finding residence with various family members.

Harold was a lifelong resident of the Akron area. He graduated from Central High School in 1967 (remaining a huge supporter of the school until its closing) and excelled as a baseball pitcher, later stopping just short of an opportunity to play professional baseball.

After high school, Harold enlisted in the United States Air Force but was honorably discharged due to a physical injury.

On July 5, 1969, Harold was wed to Joyce Jones and to that union were born three daughters – Cheri, Tami and Harolynn – dubbed Harold’s angels. He was a proud girl dad and was always extremely active in the lives of his girls, eventually extending that same love and support to their respective spouses and children. To know Cheri, Tami, Harolynn, Darnett (the long-awaited son/grandson), Talia, Damaris, Jordin and Journey was to know Harold Head. Amongst their friends, he was affectionately known over the years as Papa Head, Grandpa, and Grandpa Harold amongst many cherished nicknames. For many who never had the opportunity to meet him in person, he became the subject of their conversations, laughter, and some even received birthday songs and greetings from across the miles via phone. He held a keen interest in everyone he encountered.

If you knew Harold, you were well aware of how important his family was to him. Over the years, Harold’s involvement with his daughters included serving as an assistant troop leader for Brownie and Girl Scout troops, visits to the library for the summer reading club, participation and involvement with all school and extra-curricular activities, acting as a chaperone for school events and trips, serving as PTA president and later as president of the Upward Bound Parent Association (chaperoning various trips), and the list goes on. He enjoyed recounting memories of the various trips and experiences with his girls and was, along with his wife Joyce, their biggest cheerleader. In later years, he continued with a similar level of engagement and enthusiasm with his grandchildren and great granddaughters.

Harold also enjoyed visiting extended family and attending family reunions which helped his little family remain connected with relatives near and far. He loved and enjoyed bantering with his surviving sister Shirley and, over the years, enjoyed both verbal and sometimes physical wrestling with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Some of his favorite memories included family vacations and trips to Disney and Disney cruises that included as many as 17 people in one instance.

This love of people extended beyond biological family to church family and many friends and acquaintances over the years. He encouraged everyone and was a persistent advocate. Harold was known far and wide for his humor (crowned King of the corny jokes), fun-loving nature, and passion about many topics. He was a man who knew NO strangers.

Harold had various employment roles and employers including the Western Drive-in, where he worked while in high school, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, various sales positions, and he eventually retired from Ganley Toyota & Mercedes Benz where he worked in the service department and was known for his friendly nature and engaging conversation.

In his free time, before he was no longer able to participate, Harold enjoyed playing in various softball leagues throughout the area where he made many friends.

Most important of all, Harold accepted Christ as his Savior during his youth and later rededicated his life to the Lord when becoming a member of The House of the Lord in the mid 90’s. He served as a member of The House of the Lord Usher ministry for several years and was most recently grateful to serve with other men of The House to encourage other brothers and to help young men take needed steps in their health care. For many, he was an example of God’s love.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, 9 siblings, and his beloved youngest daughter, Harolynn. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Joyce; daughters, Cheri (Derrick) Harris and Tami (Jeff) Jenkins; grandchildren, Darnett (Janay) Virden, Talia Hodge and Damaris Jenkins; great granddaughters, Jordin and Journey; sister, Shirley Shropshire, and a host of family and friends.

Harold was known for his wit and his rhymes, and the following are some of his favorite sayings (to name just a few). We’re sure many of you can add to the list based on your interactions with him and we hope you will share your memories with us:

· I’ll never be behind because I’ll always be a Head

· Tripping like a mad dog 20/20

· Don’t hate the player, hate the game

· Put down your Hatorade

· I keep my feet on the ground (fear of heights)

· Legend in his own time

· I can’t wait until tomorrow because I get better looking every day