Born July 16th, 1934, Sam Harbin gloriously joined his Lord and Savior on August 8th, 2016.
Many throughout the Northeast Georgia region knew Sam.He so very rarely met a stranger and if he did, they were not strangers for long.Sam loved life and was ever determined to live each day with zeal and passion.Sam was a diligent worker and his optimistic attitude was unmatched.At the age of 82, when asked when did he plan to stop going into work, his reply was, "Not 'till I go home to be with Louise."Sam understood that people mattered to God.He spent his entire life, unashamedly and boldly reaching others with the gospel of Christ.Praying with anyone, anytime, anywhere, was as natural as breathing to him. His heart and soul were sold out to his Savior.
Sam was born in Royston, Georgia to Frank Keese Harbin Sr. and Tee Ethyl Harbin. He briefly attended Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina before joining the Navy in 1952.After his Naval service to his country, Sam returned home to Franklin County in 1956.Sam soon joined his brother, Frank Kesse Harbin Jr in the family building supply business, Harbin Lumber Company. Later in 1970, Sam opened Harbin Wholesale Center with his wife Louise.Years later, he and Louise founded and began Pointe South Community.
For approximately 60 years, Lavonia, Georgia has been home.Sam's passion for Christ has led him to be poured out into church ministry for many, many years.Teaching a boys' Sunday school class, bus ministry, choir, and the jail ministry have been just a few of the many areas Sam served at Lavonia First Baptist Church.
Sam is fondly known as "Papa Sam" to his 9 grandchildren, 4 great grand-darlings, and 1 grand-dog named Charlie Brown. Sam was married to his beautiful bride, Louise Poole Harbin for 54 years.
Surviving children are: Lisa Harbin O'Brien, Verna Lyn Harbin Thomas & Guy Thomas, and Carmen Harbin. His grandchildren include Nathan Charles Frank O'Brien and Christa W. O'Brien, Nicholas Brennan O'Brien, Samuel Hamilton O'Brien, Matthew Farrell O'Brien, Grant Russell Thomas, and Garrett Flynn Thomas, Austin Thomas and Kira Conway. His great grandchildren include Benjamin Elliott O'Brien and soon Baby O'Brien, Jaxson and Kennedy Berlanga. Many nieces and nephews survive him on both sides of his family that fondly called him "Uncle Sam". And his sister Virginia Harbin Adams also survives. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by three siblings: Mary Harbin Fain, Frank Harbin, Jr. and Agnes Harbin Davison Ray.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church of Lavonia on Sunday August 21 at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, August 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Sam's life may be made to Lavonia First Baptist Church's Jail Ministry or to Morningside Hospice of the Piedmont.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.