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Submitted: 12/23/23 • Approved: 4/15/24 • Last Updated: 4/18/24 • R1512002-G1512002-S3
Billy Joe
August 31, 1930 - April 6, 1999
Married March 29, 1950
Bettye
November 5, 1932 - February 22, 2022
Obituary
Jones Funeral Home
Hamburg, Arkansas
Mr. Billy Joe Harbison, 68, of Hamburg died Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Buff. A native of McGehee and a Hamburg resident since 1948, he was a retired rice farmer and a member of the First Baptist Church in Hamburg. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Maude Cockrell Harbison. Survivors are his wife, Betty James Harbison; a son, William Floyd Harbison; a daughter, BetteJo Courson and husband Richard B, all of Hamburg; a brother, Dr. James. D. Harbison and wife Ann of Booneville; a granddaughter, Lauren Smith; a grandson, William Price Harbison; and two nephews, James and John Harbison.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8, in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home in Hamburg with Rev. Klois Hargis and Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating. Pallbearers were Sonny Holland, Jim Ralph, Eddie Stanley, Jr., Ronnie Scroggins, Foyce Bradshaw and Clifton Ladd. Honorary pallbearers were Jack Shell, Ken Turner, Jack Edwards, Roy Vaden, Houston Chapman, Buddy Griever, Lavon Higginbotham, Nap Murphy, E. E. Wenty and Percy Eubanks. Burial followed services at the Hamburg Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646 or to a favorite charity.
Obituary
Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home
Hamburg, Arkansas
Bettye Mae Harbison Anderson, 89, of Morrilton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the Lake Hamilton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs. Bettye was born on Nov 5, 1932 to Robert Raymond James and Nancy Giles James. Their time together was short as Bettye’s father died in a car accident when she was very young. She spent her childhood years growing up in Hamburg, was a 1950 graduate of Hamburg High School and a member of the First Baptist Church. For a brief time they lived in California, where her mother worked in the shipyards during the war. Bettye met the love of her life, Bill Harbison, at a fair. They soon married, raised two children, and spent almost 50 wonderful years together. Her happiest times were when they would load up with their scotty dog, Duffie, and take off on an adventure to Pike's Peak or just a fishing trip to Lake Chicot. She was a homemaker, a member of the Hamburg Garden Club, wrote poetry, a good artist, Cub Scout Leader and would chaperone band trips and
dances for “The Mods”. Bettye was a kind and compassionate woman.
She had a warm smile for all and a loving persona. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she has left us with many memories, but she has gone to be with those she loved so much. What a wonderful homecoming to have them waiting to receive her with open arms. We will sorely miss her but know that she is at peace. After she lost Bill, she rekindled an old friendship with Ronald Anderson. They
soon married and had 20 years together living in Morrilton.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Harbison in 1999; her son, William Floyd “Harbo” Harbison in 2015; her parents, Robert Raymond James and Nancy Giles James, a step-brother and three step-sisters.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Wayne Anderson of Morrilton and her daughter, Bettejo Harbison of Hot Springs. One of the happiest moments in her life was when her granddaughter, Laurin, was born. The
smile on her face spoke volumes! Later in life, when her greatgrandchildren, Jaxon, Alex, and Amelia came along, she was just as excited. They all brought her so much joy.
Graveside services are 2 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022 in the Hamburg Cemetery with Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little
Rock, AR 72210
Contributed on 12/23/23 by deltabelle55
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Record #: 1512002