William R. "Bill" Harbison's Obituary
William R. "Bill" Harbison Jr., age 81, of West Fork, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was born on December 18, 1942, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to William and Lydia Williams Harbison. A lifelong Arkansan, Bill was a graduate of Greenland High School and a proud member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his infant daughter, Amy Jill Harbison. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Delilah; his daughter, Melissa Hix and her husband Bill of West Fork; his son, Chad Harbison and his wife Shelley of West Fork; and his sister, Ann Harbison of West Fork. He was a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren: Lauryn Sbanotto and her husband Kevin of Tontitown, Gunnar Harbison and his wife Brianna of West Fork, Blake Hix and his wife Katlin of Prairie Grove, Cody Hix and his wife Cassady of Prairie Grove, and Emma Hix of West Fork. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Jace Sbanotto, Carter Sbanotto, Lucas Harbison, Bailen Hix, Baker Hix, and Elliott Hix.
After over 30 years of dedicated service, Bill retired from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department in 1996. His passion for sports extended beyond being a spectator; for more than three decades, he was an active member of the Arkansas High School Officials Association, officiating football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
Bill was an avid sports fan who never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their athletic events. In retirement, Bill and Delilah enjoyed traveling across the country with friends and family. He also spent his time cattle farming on their family farm in West Fork. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with those he loved, and his warm presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 North East Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.
To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
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