Billy Ray Harbison

Bill was born on January 27, 1933 in Beggs, Oklahoma to George and Alma Harbison. He had two brothers Delbert and Jerry and two sisters, Betty and Pat.

Bill joined the U.S. Navy on April 5, 1951 and received Honorable Discharge on April 5, 1955. While his time in the Navy he served on the USS Faribault (AK-179) with just over 3 years on foreign and sea service. Upon discharge he was entitled to wear the following service ribbons: National Defense; China Service; UN Service; Korean Service. His rating at discharge was Engineman Third Class. Bill joined the Air National Guard of Oklahoma and the Reserve of the United States Air Force on June 15, 1956 and received Honorable Discharge on June 14, 1959.

Bill began his career as an Aircraft Electrical Repairman at Tinker Air Force Base with the training and education he received while he was enlisted. He later transferred to The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) where he worked until his retirement after 37 years. While at FAA he continued to further his education and training by completing courses and receiving multiple Certificates of Training.

Bill married Lura Lee Bassham on July 29, 1956 in Luther, Oklahoma. Bill and Lura had two sons; Darrell Ray and Danny Kevin. The family lived in Del City, Tuttle and Choctaw.

Bill enjoyed a full life filled with family and friends and enjoyed time spent fishing, dancing, playing a round of dominos and shooting a good game of pool and an occasional card game was not out of the question. He loved to travel and would take the opportunity as often as he could to visit family and friends. Time spent at home he would stay busy ‘tinkering’ with things or working outside in the yard and in the garage but his favorite times were times spent with family enjoying great food, great conversation and just time together.

After the death of his wife Lura in 1995 he married Nina Alford on April 27, 1996 and they moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma for a few short years until her death. Bill then returned to Choctaw where he considered home. Bill made the decision early in his life to follow Christ and he attended the Grace Church in Choctaw. Bill's love of the Armed Services and those who serve continued during his life, he was a member of the VFW Midwest City and the American Legion of Midwest City. You could see this with every ball cap he wore and each worn very proudly. Bill supported all veterans with regular donations to many organizations that help and assist wounded veterans. He did this silently and not for the recognition. He also supported many other charities regularly as he believed in helping those who could not help themselves. He also was a member of the Midwest City Moose Lodge.

Bill moved into Colonial Estates Nursing Home of Shawnee in late 2020 and remained there until his death. He was able to be with his son Danny every day and the two were happy to have that special time together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Alma Harbison, wives, Lura Harbison and Nina Harbison, son, Darrell Harbison, brothers, Delbert and Jerry Harbison, sisters, Betty Chadwick and Pat Hartness.

Bill is survived by his son, Danny and wife, Vickie of McLoud, grandchildren, Christian Harbison of Choctaw, Eric and Tracey Harbison of Harrah, Kyle Harbison of Valdosta Georgia, Ryan & Heather Harbison of Seminole, Ashley and Robert Seaborn of Shawnee, Kevin and Susie Harbison of Asher, Melissa and Jeff Gravelle of Harrah, Darrick Beard and Kelsey Wilson of Choctaw, and 19 great grandchildren countless nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides, social workers, chaplain, other employees and volunteers of Colonial Estates Nursing Home and Traditions Home Health & Hospice for the special care, love and compassion they showed Bill during his last days.

Bill will be laid to rest in Sunny Lane Cemetery beside his wife Lura and son Darrell.

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous Judge,

will award to me on that day

and not only to me,

but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8