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Daniel Harbison Obituary
A celebration service will be held at 3 p.m. today at East Gadsden Baptist Church, 211 N. Sixth St., with the Rev. David Murray officiating and special comments by Danny's wife, Teresa.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to service today. Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery.
Danny is survived by his wife of 25 years, 11 months, Teresa Gilbert Harbison; hundreds of "chosen" children; his parents, Bro. Bill and Kay "Harbie" Harbison; parents-in-law, Howard and Sue Gilbert; siblings, Paul (Cindy) Harbison, Cathy (Jeff) Graves, Brian (Gina) Harbison, Mary (Gary) Stovall and Mitzi Harbison; sisters-in-law, Dana Gilbert and Amy (Broderick) Steed; nieces and nephews, Micah (Brandi), Seth (Brittany), Jessica and Brittany Harbison, Alex and Aaron Graves, Cameron Stovall and Kioshana and Tansley LaCount.
He was preceded in death by his nephew, Jared Harbison; and his grandparents.
Danny was a lifelong resident of Gadsden. He graduated from Gadsden High School in 1973 and was a graduate and proud employee of Gadsden State Community College for 18 years. He served GSCC as dorm director for 11 1/2 years before transferring to St. Clair County Correctional Facility as an instructor of brick masonry. He was creator, owner and operator of Patriotic Putting Park, which was a part of Noccalula Falls Park for seven years.
Danny became a Christian at age 28 at East Gadsden Baptist Church. At the time of his death, he was a member, Sunday School teacher and chairman of deacons at Eastside Baptist Church. Danny may be best remembered for being a "cartoon character trapped in a human frame"; weight-lifting training; driving around Gadsden in his red jeep and most importantly, sharing Jesus in nontraditional ways.
Pallbearers will be nephews, cousins and special friends, Mark Light and Kevin Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon International and Caringbridge.org.
Special thanks to all medical personnel at UAB TBICU and the CVICU Unit at St. Vincent's East.
We would also like to thank UAB Townhouse for providing residency for Teresa during the past 104 days.
A very special thank you to all of the prayer warriors who supported the family through Caringbridge.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Harbison
Joan Brooks
November 4, 2009
Teresa, you and Danny have been on my mind all day. I know today has to be bitter sweet, since today is Danny's birthday. I am praying for you and all your family. I pray for God to heal your hearts of the pain that you're all feeling now. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Danny is no longer suffering and in pain and is with our Lord and Saviour and with my sweet Ellen. I will never forget the kindness and all the thoughtful things you both did for Ellen. She loved you both so much. I'll bet she and Danny are having a huge celebration today. I know they are in a better place than we are, but it doesn't keep us from missing them.
I feel so richly blessed by having known Danny and knowing you Teresa. I pray for God to give me as much strength and faith as you have. Teresa, you are one of the most Godly women I know and God will use Danny's accident and death to His Glory.
You and your family are in my heart and prayers. Love you,
Belivion Herring
October 26, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Danny. He was a very special and caring person and I will always remember that about him. I hate that I did not know
he was in the hospital because I would have made sure I came by to visit.
Mary Harbison Stovall
October 26, 2009
To my precious big brother...I love and miss you soooo much!!! Thank you for being the very best brother in the world, and the very best uncle to my son!!! Your sister, Mary
Kim Townsel
October 22, 2009
Danny was in my life for a brilliant time in the late 70's. He made me laugh so much that I had laugh lines before I was twenty. He was a customer who came through Wendy's every day, and I was a cashier. He made me laugh every day. He came to our house one day and took the orange croquet ball and an orange from the fruit bowl and swapped them. I thought that was just so cute. It is because of Danny's brief influence in my life that I have taken risks that others might think foolish, but he showed me the joy in adventure and the security of trusting in one's faith.
Cesar Mucci Mattos
October 22, 2009
My Dear Teresa!
I am very saddened to learn about our guardian angel's passing! I am sorry about your loss... which is also everyone's loss!
Mr. Danny meant so much for the international students at Gadsden State Community College. As to me, he was a good friend and a real protector when I was living at the dorm (1998). He surely had his strong way to do business with his loud and firm voice... but that was the most efficient way he found to support and ensure that we, his "children", would stay safe and fairly treated.
Mr. Danny was a gentleman with a big heart and often brought us justice and confidence.
I am sure Danny was turned now into a guardian angel (surely a cartoon version of an angel) looking up for you and for the ones he loved.
My thoughts and love to you and your family,
Cesar Mattos.
Todd Mckee
October 20, 2009
Teresa, I just want to let you know how much Danny meant to me. I know I had not been in touch with hime for several years but I always told old work out stories about him any chance I had. I remember I was a laborer for him laying block my first summer out of high school. One day we were working out after working in the sun all day and I said Danny how is your energy level so high he replied my body is a solar panel soaking up energy all day! He was definitely instrumental in my life as mentor in health and fitness and just his overall outlook on life. It was definitely a privilage to know him. My prayers and love are with you and your family, Todd Mckee
Cindy Johnson Stadler
October 20, 2009
Bro. Bill, Harbie and family:
I was sorry to hear about Danny. Maxine Sims Wester kept me posted as to how he was doing after the accident. I did run into Cathy last Friday, however I was leaving the next day for home along with my daughter and grandson. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Turtle
Ann Stone
October 20, 2009
Teresa and family
You will never know how much Danny has meant to John over the years he has been at the college. He cared and showed that when it seems no one else did. Danny's death has really touched him. I am so glad he had the opportunity to visit with and talk to Danny on Sunday morning before his death. Please know that we care and are thinking of you each day. I know it has been a long road but well worth it all. He will be sorely missed.
Sandra Wood
October 20, 2009
Teresa, I don't know if you remember me, but we worked together at North Glencoe at the school. I loved hearing about the stories of how you and Danny got married and your lives together. You remained in my thoughts and prayers through the years after you left. Remember that you are not alone and that you are loved. God will substain you now and forever. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Anise McCulley Morris
October 20, 2009
Kay and Bro. Bill and all the family -
I am so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ and your faith in Him sustain you through these difficult times. God bless you all.
October 19, 2009
Teresa, when Tiffany called me and told me about what you had been sharing with everybody ,she said Mama Teresa is really somebody to be admired.We all feel that way about you and Danny
Also Matt was out of town and he recalled some of the fun he and Danny had. We love you and if there is anything we can do for you ,you only have to call.love,Marc and Roger
October 19, 2009
Teresa you have always been such an inspiration to me.I always loved talking with you when we worked together at North Glencoe..Teresa you have such an great relationship with our Lord i know he going to use you in such a great way.My prayers are with you.Pam Mosher (Glencoe,Al.)
Janie McGlathery Williams
October 19, 2009
To Teresa and the Harbison family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My hear and prayers goes out to you and your family. Keep comfort in knowing that Danny is rejoicing with our Lord. May God bless and keep you.
October 19, 2009
THERESA,MITZI,& BRIAN
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME. DANNY WAS SOMEONE YOU WOULD NEVER FORGET.. MY GRANDSON CONNOR SELF LOVED HIM VERY MUCH, HE WOULD MAKE HIM FILL SPECIAL WHEN EVER WE WOULD SEE DANNY. HE LOVED TO PLAY HERO MAN WITH HIM OR WHAT EVER CONNOR WANTED TO PLAY. WE HAVE LOST A REAL HERO..MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE HARBISON FAMILY .
VICKI ENTREKIN MOBLEY
Chiquita Steward
October 19, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Buddy McKee
October 18, 2009
Teresa, you are surely the strongest woman I know! I was at the funeral today. And what you were strong enough to do for Danny and the wonderful tribute (Danny Style) you gave was surely testament to how strong your's and Danny's love for each other is and the faith you both shared. I didn't try to get to the front. There were so many people and recieving is so hard on the family. You know it is a great testament to how much Danny touched people during his life that so many people came to celebrate Danny's life at the end. I remember back in the late 70's talking with Danny about how we wanted our funerals be be. I can say that you gave Danny the kind of celebretion I remember he wanted. I'm sure he is still smiling about it! I talked to my cousin Todd in Florida after the funeral. He wanted so bad to be here for it but couldn't get away. Danny gave him the 1st job he ever had when he was a teen; laying blocks. He talked about all of the values he learned from Danny on that job and when we all used to train together. I told him that you honored Danny's request to have 'Uncle Remus' singing "Zippidy-Do-Da". He said "Man! I just got chills!" He said he sends his prayers, thoughts, and love.
Although we haven't been around each other as much as we used to be, I want you to know that I think of you and Danny practically everyday. And everyday that I teach my elem. P.E. classes and I need to keep it fun and interesting, I ask myself; what would Danny do?...I do believe I learned more about how to relate to kid from Danny than I did from 4 years of college supposedly learning how to teach! It was just natural for Danny. So, when I need it I try to have a 'Danny moment' and we usually have a good day. I don't think there will ever be another one like him and we were all bless to have known him. Love Ya Tee! I'm so thankful that Danny had you to share life with. If I can ever do anything for you, let me know.
Kari (Brock) Lovell
October 18, 2009
Mrs. Teresa Harbison,
You may not remember me, but I was one of your many students at Sardis. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
October 18, 2009
I am thinking of you all as you go through this grief.God will carry you when you feel you can't carry yourself.Jan maddox Bradley
Danny Campbell
October 18, 2009
Dear Bro. Bill and sister Kay,
I can't even begin to know what to say. I can only tell and your family that I will keep you in my prayers. Bro. Bill I never did tell you how much I enjoyed working with you at the EBA. I did the electrical work.
Teresa, even though I didn't know you and Danny that well, I want to tell that you will be in my prayers also. May everyone celebrate Danny's life and keep his memory in our hearts.
Paul and Nancy Hood
October 18, 2009
To Bill and Kay and all of the family.
Bill and Kay, we have fond memories of you when we were so very young at 85th St. BC. My, how God has blessed with so many years of marriage, but we cannot begin to fill your pain with the loss of your son. We remember when you lost your grandson. From reading the messages above, Danny must have been a very special person. Do accept our deepest condolences. We will be praying for you and his widow, as well as the rest of the family, as you adjust to such a tremendous loss.
October 18, 2009
My most sincere condolences to all of you. May you find God's peace during this time. Praying for all of you.
Millt Yother
Bro.Bob & Peggy Harris
October 18, 2009
The Harbison Family,
I know there is nothing that we can say that will take the pain from your heart nor fill that emptiness in your soul. May we only remind you of your hope that one day we will see Danny on the other side. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie promised... We love you and are praying for you.
Denise Brock-Mioduszewski
October 18, 2009
Teresa and family, It is an honor to say I knew and became friends with you and Danny. Even though we did not see each other often, what I remember the most...is each time I would see the two of you there was always a smiles and joy shining from all around the both of you! My prayers for you Teresa and your family is that God will wrap you in his arms and hold you tight to him. God will give you comfort and peace in knowing that Danny was and held God in his heart always...was never afraid to share Gods love with anyone! Teresa I love you....may God give you the srength to carry on his works and the things Danny wants you to do for him and cherish the love he gave you for all these years and many sweet memories of Danny to come.
Love, Denise Brock-Mioduszewski
Keith Bates
October 18, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you (Teresa) and the family. May God lift you up and comfort you in this time of loss. So many times I think back to all the games I cheered at while attending GSCC and there would be Danny. Not only would he be right in there cheering with us, but would even put on the Cardinal mascot suit and be out on the court. I also think back to our Research class we had at JSU in the library. There would be Danny every night we met with Mrs. Teresa reading a book or the paper and after class we would hang out and talk about anything and everything like friends should. I'm going to miss Danny, but we know he is in a better place and will be waiting for us to get there to see him again. Again God bless.
Keith, Lisa, and Eli Bates
Sand Rock, AL
Buddy McKee
October 18, 2009
It's hard to believe Danny is gone. He was an adventurous soul and dodged several close calls with death over the years. If anyone ever lived life to the fullest, it was Danny! Danny, My brother Mike and I were room-mates and trained together at the old Olympic Gym for quite some time during our early twenty's. I had the honor of being his best man when he and Tee married and he was mine when Pam and I were married 8 years ago. He was my other brother. We were not able to be around each other as much as I'd like the past several years, but not a day has gone by that I don't think about him. I will miss him greatly. He was an awesome person who touched many, many lives. He truely was a cartoon character trapped in a human body. Because he was in many ways bigger than life! He was a great man!
Buddy McKee
Mary (Robertson) Craig
October 17, 2009
I attended East Gadsden Baptist Church many years ago with Danny and Teresa. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Kim Mckenny
October 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rick Morgan
October 17, 2009
you guys are in my heart and prayers...i know you are wrapped in the arms of our LORD,JESUS CHRIST now.may HE hold and comfort you in these times...love in CHRIST
Elizabeth Johnson-Nolen
October 17, 2009
Teresa, Rev. & Mrs. Harbison, and all the Harbison families, Sue & Howard, and the Gilbert families,
Danny will be greatly missed by all that crossed his path as he was very much one of a kind! And a celebration of his years here on this earth is just what Danny would have wanted.
I never saw Danny without a big smile on his face. So may your memories be of happy times together and celebrate a life well lived, and Danny 'lived' everyday of his life.
He is with his Lord and Savior now and forever more.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Elizabeth & John Nolen
Cathy and Patrick Margadonna
October 17, 2009
To all of the Harbisons and the Gilberts,
I keep all of you in my prayers. Teresa, you are so special to those of us who know you and Danny was a special guy. I know you will miss him here, but you have the hope in knowing you will see him again. I know Jared was waiting to greet him along with others he touched in his life here. Again our prayers go out to you as you go through this difficult time.
October 17, 2009
Paul, Cindy and Family,
You are all in my prayers.I am sorry about your great loss. God's Blessings and Love to you.
Shirley Davidson
Dwight Baptist Church, Ala.City
Marsha
October 17, 2009
God will contiinue to hold you in his arms until you join Danny in Heaven Teresa. These long days although may be considered a trial and tribulation time for you..have been a time for you to share your faith, beliefs, and love to those thousands of contacts on Caringbridge.org. I found myself going to the website not only for updates on Danny's condition but to get my daily inspiration from you. You never faltered in believing that God was in control and providing you both with the strength to carry on the next day. My love to you and the Harbisons and the Gilberts.
mary payne
October 17, 2009
I worked with Danny at St. Clair and we will miss him
Chantelle Hill
October 17, 2009
Teresa, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.Our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Joey Clark
October 17, 2009
Celebration it will be and Danny would want it no other way! May God Bless each of you during these days with a joy that Danny is whole again and visiting with all of those who have gone before him. "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see"; I can hear Danny praising him now as he so often did in his nontraditional way. I was blessed to have called him my "friend". Thanks to each of you for blessing my life.
I Thess. 4:13-18
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