Joshua was born on February 17,1935 to the late Judge Harkless and the late Bertha Abrom Jerry Harkless Bull, in Darlington, South Carolina.

Joshua was educated in the Darlington County School System. He joined and was baptized at Cherry Grove Baptist Church Darlington SC. Later in life he joined St. Abraham Baptist Baltimore, MD under the late Rev. Matthew Hill where he was ordained as a deacon.

Josh joined the U.S. Army where he served with dignity and pride. After his discharge from the military he relocated to Baltimore, MD.

He attended and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute where he graduated with a diploma in mechanics. Josh was an excellent mechanic and loved giving advice to his family and friends. Joshua was affection- ately known to his family and friends as Jack, Josh or just "Mr. Harkless.

Josh loved to sing, at a early age he and his brothers sang with a local group"The Gospel Whirlwinds", he enjoyed traditional gospel music. Especially old gospel quartet music.

Josh loved to cook and was an excellent cook. Family members and friends remember and will miss his "soulful" cooking. He also enjoyed working in his yard growing beautiful plants and flowers. Josh had a beautiful and contagious smile.

Josh lived the last three years of his life at Future Care Canton Harbor. He could be found just wandering the hallway in his wheelchair. Numerous staff, patients, and visitors would hold conversation with him, just to see that beautiful smile.

Josh leaves to cherish his memory: two sons and one daughter, Susan Harkless-Charlotte, NC, Joshua Harkless Jr.-Charleston, SC, Jonathan Harkless- California, one son Calvin preceded him in death; two brothers, Rufus Harkless (Wyonia) Baltimore MD, Joseph Bull (Catherinej-Flor- ence, SC; two sisters, Mary Bull Rubin (Ben)-Hartsville,SC, Bertha Elvelyn Bull-Snipes-Baltimore MD, and Corrie Lee Fields-Anyor, SC; two adopted nieces, Velma and Docus Hill-Baltimore, MD; several grand children, great grands,and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and one aunt.