David Franklin Harnage, 71, of Chesapeake, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family.

Born in Adel, Georgia he was the son of the late James C. Harnage, Jr. and Sara Griner Harnage.

Mr. Harnage enjoyed a thirty-three-year career in higher education, having been on staff at University of Georgia, Old Dominion University, Longwood University, Towson University, and Moseley Architects. At the start of his career, Mr. Harnage worked in the computer center at UGA. In the mid 80’s he moved to ODU, where he continued his work in the computer center, negotiating the donation of a seven-million-dollar super-minicomputer and software package. In the early 2000’s, Mr. Harnage served in vice presidential capacities at Longwood University, and he led the recovery effort to restore and replicate the university’s history following the fire of 2001. After retiring from a successful career in higher education, he joined Moseley Architects, where he was responsible for business development in the higher education market. Mr. Harnage later returned to ODU as Chief Operating Officer, where he was one of the most influential leaders in the university's history. Among his notable accomplishments are the acquisition of 70 acres east of Hampton Blvd to build the University Village. He managed a broad range of projects, as well as planning for the University Village and the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Mr. Harnage will be remembered as a visionary master planner who enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and golf. He was proud to serve as President of the Eagle Pointe Homeowners Association. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted family man and mentor with a strong moral compass, passionate about serving, teaching, fairness, and kindness to others.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Twila Mallard Harnage; sons, Ryan Harnage (Chelley), and Nick Harnage (Keli); grandchildren, Ashlynn (Doug), Katelyn (Preston), Matthew, Kourtney; a great-grandson, Chase; two cousins, Terry Selph (Jamie) and Donnie Selph (Candy)

A celebration of David’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Great Bridge Baptist Church, Chesapeake. A reception will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the David F. Harnage Memorial Fund to benefit the Open-Heart Surgical Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book, to view the service via livestream and to make online memorial contributions at www.briggsfh.com

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of David Franklin Harnage hosted by Briggs Funeral Home.