Rayvee Clifton Harbison of Gardendale, Ala. passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the age of 98.

Our Dad came from what I consider the best generation of all, in my lifetime. They went through the Great Depression, World War II, and all types of changes and accomplishments of their time! He loved to work, he was a building contractor, and in the early 1950's he drove a trolley and bus for Birmingham Transit. He was in the Merchant Marines at the end of World War II and talked about taking Thanksgiving dinner to military in the Philippines. Fishing and hunting were two of his favorite things to do. Plus farming, raising cows and building fences (there's no telling how many miles of fence he built). Dad would help you in any way he could, as long as you helped yourself to be better. He had the mindset of 'Give a man a fish and he will eat for one day. Teach a man to fish and he will always have something to eat.' We will miss you, Dad. Love- your children, friends and family.

Mr. Harbison was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Harbison; grandson, Shane Kirksey; brothers, Derlon and Devon Harbison; and daughter-in-law, Ann Harbison. He is survived by his sisters, Belva Sue Davis and Eva Nell Florence; his children, Terry O. Harbison (Ann); Roger K. Harbison (Kathy), and Connie Ray (Jim); grandchildren, Kristi Wix (Keith), Jennifer Bailey (J.W.), Brandon Harbison (Kim), Brian Harbison (Jennifer), and Eric Kirksey; as well as 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.

A public visitation for Mr. Harbison will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at noon. Immediately following the funeral service, everyone will travel of their own accord to Bethany Cemetery in Crane Hill, where we will all reconvene graveside for a brief committal service prior to interment.