Andrew Michael Harren

A fearfully and wonderfully made tiny lad was born to Michael and Libby Harren at Frye Regional Medical Center on March 25, 1981.His parents had no idea of the wild ride in store for them as they welcomed their precious bundle into the world. His zest for living every minute of life to its fullest was evidenced even as he was a young child.He never met a stranger.In fact, at four years of age he would roll down the car window at a stoplight to introduce his family to the car beside of him.At such times his big brother, Josh Harren, would sink lower in his car seat begging his parents to curb Andrew’s bold behavior. As an elementary school student at Collettsville School, he took part in talent shows, band, Beta Club and science fairs, winning school, county and regional honors.Teachers were astounded by his creativity and intellect but were perplexed at some of the ways he chose to use it. As he matriculated into high school at West Caldwell, he participated in soccer, the Key Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Drama Club.A highlight of his high school years was becoming the runner up in the Caldwell County Young Playwright’s Contest with his own production of “Christian Superstar.”His motive, he said, was to let people know that you could be a Christian and still be cool. At the ages of 18 and 19 he was a camp counselor for a Christian camp.The first year he led his entire cabin of young boys to Christ.Upon returning home from camp, he felt led to organize a Youth Worship Service incorporating teens from various churches around the county. He joined the Navy Reserves in 2005 as a Chaplain’s Assistant.Because the strength of his faith in God was evident, other naval seamen in his barracks would awaken him during the night to pray with them. He attended CCC&TE, CVCC and Appalachian State University.While at CCC&TI he was in the Alpha and Omega Club.At CVCC he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.He also won honors in the regional Skills USA contest.In 2012 he was a finalist in the Edison Project, a contest for young business entrepreneurs. One of the major highlights of his life was the birth of his adored daughter, Ariana Elizabeth Harren, in 2003.His relationship with her was an incredibly rare one.Their souls were knit together at her birth with the strongest love imaginable. Andrew’s family meant the world to him.Along with his brother, Josh Harren, his niece Kaylee Harren and nephew Bryson Harren were bright spots in his life.His love for his many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers was amazing.Unfortunately, he never knew his grandfathers, Edwin P. Phillips and James. S. Harren, but his grandmothers were so special to him.His precious Nana, Margaret S. Phillips passed away a few years ago, but he still enjoyed visiting and talking with his Meme, Eloise P. Harren. In just the last few months, Andrew met his final love, Jessica Bumgarner.She and her daughters Blake and Bristol had begun a new chapter in Andrew’s life, one of hope, joy, and anticipation for their future lives together. The celebration in remembrance of Andrew’s extraordinary life will be held at Calvary Advent Christian Church, 1338 Delwood Drive SW, Lenoir, NC on Thursday, May 21, at 4:30.Reverend Jim Lee will be officiating.The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 4:30 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials and tributes to Andrew’s life may be made to Ariana’s college fund.Please make checks payable to Michael Harren for Ariana’s college fund, 114 Crestline Place NE, Lenoir, NC 28645. His friends and adopted “brothers: Jason Greene, Ashley Feimster, Paul Duffey, Chris Castiglia-Marelli, Brian Poarch and cousin, Jeremy Earp will honor Andrew’s memory as his pallbearers. Andrew’s legacy as a champion for the down-trodden, cherished friend, devoted father, beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin will live on as his memory continues in the hearts of those who loved him.As we await the final trumpet sound, we look forward to seeing Andrew again.He will probably be cooking up some imaginative scheme with the great Master Designer himself. Online condolences may be sent to the Harren Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Harren Family.