Richard always had a good word for everybody, was very forgiving, and always was comical and had something funny going on.  He loved playing tricks on people.  He loved playing his banjo and guitar and loved music and writing songs.  He loved people, loved to eat and easily made friends.  He loved going to the Bluegrass Festivals, boating, sailing and motorcycles.

Mr.  Harlow was preceded in death by his father, Wade Dickens and his step-father, Eugene A. Harlow.

He is survived by his wife, Freida Bender Harlow of Norlina; his mother, Irma S. Harlow, of Roanoke Rapids;  his children: Sandee Carpenter and husband Gary, of Rocky Mount; Heather Harlow of Raleigh, Joshua Harlow of Daytona Beach, Florida; and Natalie Harlow of Rocky Mount; his step-children: Henry  Dortch and wife, Jennifer and Melony Ayscue and husband, Donald, of Norlina; his siblings: Vivian Green of Roanoke Rapids; Wanda Sisk and husband, Steve, of Raleigh;  Janice Maines and husband, Jimmy, of Burlington; Richard W. Dickens of Korea; and Rhonda Baugham of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren: Chris Beland, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Kara Beland, Rocky Mount, and Joseph Purvis of Rocky Mount.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 18, 2011, from  5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids which is handling the arrangements and other times at 62 Maitland Drive in Roanoke Rapids.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 2011, at 3:00 P.M. at Victory Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, with Pastor Craig Currin officiating.  Burial will follow in the family cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Landmark Baptist Church, 3149 Walters Road, Creedmoor, N. C. 27522, or Ridgeway Opry House, 852 US Highway 1 South, Norlina, NC 27563.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.