Leon Caldwell Harbin Jr., “Buddy,” of Grenada, passed away peacefully in Charleston on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Buddy was born in Lake Providence, La., on Oct. 6, 1934, to Leon Caldwell Harbin Sr. and Eloise Mitchell Harbin. He graduated from Lake Providence High School with numerous sports awards. As the No. 1 football player in the State of Louisiana coming out of high school, he was expected to go to LSU, but he received a football scholarship to Ole Miss where he played for Coach John Vaught and the Ole Miss Rebels. He often chuckled about legendary Coach Buster Poole driving to his house in Lake Providence and signing the recruitment papers on the trunk of the car.
While at Ole Miss, Buddy met the love of his life, Peggy Ruth Evans, of Grenada. They married in a beautiful candlelight Christmas wedding at First Baptist Church in Grenada on Dec. 23, 1956.
Buddy finished out his college football career at Ole Miss and graduated with a degree in engineering in 1957. He also served his country proudly through service in the ROTC during college and completed his service while stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va.
Buddy worked for Dupont Corporation before he came to Grenada to work for McQuay, Inc. He embraced his new home of Grenada where he served his community with much enthusiasm and in many capacities. Buddy was a BSA Eagle Scout in his teens, which prepared him to serve Grenada’s youth as a Cub Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America. His Pinewood Derby races were legendary and always drew large crowds of cheering kids and parents alike. He also served the BSA in many district positions, which earned him the organization’s highly esteemed honor, The Silver Beaver Award. Buddy was a long-time member of the Grenada Rotary Club and served as president among other offices over the years. He later served as CEO of Grenada Video, Inc., after the passing of his father-in-law, Frank A. Evans, in 1977.
In the 1980s, Buddy served Grenada as the first Economic and Industrial Development Manager. He was instrumental in helping bring the paper mill to Grenada as well as helping to develop the current industrial park that has continued to bring so many jobs to town. Much later, Buddy was asked to come out of retirement to serve as the interim head of the Grenada Chamber of Commerce. This position was to be very temporary, but ended up lasting several years during which he made many strong and lasting business relationships for Grenada. Buddy was always a people-person with a quick-wit and a funny story to tell. He was an encourager with a kind word for everyone he met. When he told you he was praying for you, you can be assured that he did. He believed there were no lost causes and everyone had potential. Most of all, he loved deeply, never held a grudge and never stopped smiling.
Most important to Buddy was his love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was an original charter member of Grenada’s Calvary Baptist Church.
Later, he and Peggy became members of First Baptist Church of Grenada where he taught Sunday School, served in the Men’s Ministry, served as a deacon, sang in the Sanctuary Choir, started the Monday Night Men’s Prayer Group and served on various committees. Buddy never hesitated to tell people about Jesus. Even in his later years while a resident of TGH Nursing Home, he taught Bible study and Sunday school for the other residents. Often, some of the staff would come to hear him teach. If a local pastor couldn’t come preach on a Sunday, Buddy would gladly fill in. He wanted everyone to hear about Jesus, whom he loved with all his heart.
Buddy leaves behind his beloved family, son, Lee Harbin of Fredericksburg, Texas, daughter, Patti Harbin Hernandez (Mike) of Grenada, and son, Frank Harbin (Sharolyne) of Coffeeville; grandchildren, Dane Harbin (Lorna), Zack Harbin (Chelsey), Cody Harbin (Elia) and Chesney Harbin Dunning (Gage) and 12 great grandchildren. Buddy is also survived by his brother, Stowe Harbin Sr. (Brenda) of Oak Grove, La.
His wife of nearly 62 years, Peggy, and his parents, preceded Buddy in death.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at First Baptist Church in Grenada with Dr. John Boler officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until service time at the church. Interment in the Harbin family plot will immediately follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Grenada.
Pallbearers honored to serve include, David Dubard, Gage Dunning, Cody Harbin, Dane Harbin, Zack Harbin, Mike Hernandez, Case Kimbrough, Brandon Long, Dr. Bruce Longest and Wesley Thomas. Honorary pallbearers include, Jimmy Collins, Bill Daly, Ray Freeman, Roger Dale Goodson and Billy Woods.
The family would also like to recognize and honor the staff, residents and friends of Tallahatchie General Hospital Extended Care Facility for their love, care and friendship for Buddy these last three years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the memorials be directed to First Baptist Church of Grenada, 450 Faith Dr., Grenada MS 38901 or TGHECF (Tallahatchie General Hospital Extended Care Facility) Auxiliary, 2452 D.E. Denman Rd., Charleston MS 38921.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
