He was born in Leeds, AL, moving to Chickasaw where he was raised as a child, then spending the majority of his life in Satsuma and, most recently, in West Mobile.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar James Harbin, Sr.; mother, Ruth Babb Harbin; and brothers, Charles W. “Charlie” Harbin and Edgar “James" Harbin, II.
Mr. Harbin is survived by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Peggy Compton Harbin; children, Johnny R. Harbin, Jr., Debra Faye Harbin, DeAnn Harbin, Patti Presnall (Alex), and Paula Stanbridge (Joseph “JJ”); eight grandchildren, Jillian Harbin (Matt Tindall), Michael Harbin (Yara Dobrescu-Harbin), Mitchell Presnall (Jessica), Olivia Presnall, Landon Presnall (Jordan), Joshua Stanbridge (Rachel), AnnMarie Stanbridge, and Kara Stanbridge; and a host of great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.
Known to many as the man who could and would “fix” anything, he was an electrician by trade, beginning his journey with the IBEW Local 505 (that he was fondly proud of) and later becoming a well-known and respected home builder. He took great pride in his work and business relationships, many of them becoming lifelong friends.
His greatest love was his family, tirelessly and always being there for his wife and children. The love, devotion, and adoration he held for his wife, Peggy, can only be described as beautiful, honest, and true. There was no one more perfect and beautiful in his heart and eyes than his Peggy. He loved the Smoky Mountains where he and Peggy visited every fall for many years. He loved Nick Saban and Alabama football, taking it “personally” if they lost! He was a huge history buff and loved telling all his “stories” to anyone who would listen. He was a kind, generous, and selfless man who will be truly missed by all those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home in Saraland on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Stephen Newport of Crossroads Baptist Church in Mobile officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice and the numerous caregivers who took excellent care of Mr. Harbin in his time of need. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
