William M. Harman Memorial Fund
This memorial fund, created from the estate of William M. Harman, supports key community institutions in Parsons, WV—including parks, the public library, and city cemetery—through a partnership between the City of Parsons and the Tucker Community Foundation.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 2003
PURPOSE: To provide perpetual funding for the following entities of the City of Parsons:
Parsons City Cemetery
Mill Race Park and River City Park
Five Rivers Public Library
Citizens of Parsons
DISTRIBUTION: Distribution by Parsons City Council in accordance with guidelines established by TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: From the estate of William M. Harman. His wife, Louise Harman, petitioned the court to have the memorial fund managed by TCF.
BACKGROUND: William M. Harman was born in Harman, WV, on September 13, 1900, to John William and Myrtle Miley Harman. He had two brothers, Dr. Justin Harman and Maurice Harman, as well as two nephews and a niece. After graduating from Parsons High School, he earned his law degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and returned to Parsons to practice law for 50 years.
He married Louise Frances Poffenbarger and served as president and legal counsel for the First National Bank of Parsons. A dedicated community member, he belonged to the General Alumnae Association of USC, the American Bar Association, the West Virginia State Bar Association, and the First United Methodist Church of Parsons. Mr. Harman passed away in 1971 at age 70 and was interred in Parsons City Cemetery.
