John Alvin Harbour

John Alvin Harbour, a loving husband, dedicated father, and accomplished engineering technician, passed away on November 14, 2023. Born on February 6, 1931, in Highland, Texas, John led a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and service to his country.

A patriot at heart, John served his country for an incredible 41+ years. His military service included time in both the Navy and the Georgia National Guard.  He was a member of the local Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 108 Armor, 30th Infantry and later 48th Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard. He had served in many NCO positions including First Sargent and Battalion level NCOs. He was immensely proud of his accomplishments during his time in the military and considered it one of his proudest achievements to serve his country. John's commitment to serving his country will always be remembered and appreciated.

John began his civilian career with Klopman Mills of Shannon and later as an engineer with the General Electric Medium Transformer facility inb Rome. There he made significant contributions through his expertise and dedication. His passion for engineering led him to attend many engineering classes at Georgia Tech, where he honed his skills and developed a deep loyalty to the GA Tech Yellow Jackets.

Beyond his professional pursuits, John cherished the roles of being a husband and father. He was married to his beloved wife Barbara "Jo" Greeson Harbour and took immense pride in their loving relationship. Together they built a strong foundation of love and support that lasted throughout their lives.

As a father, John was both generously supportive and caring of his family. He raised three remarkable daughters who survive him: Jeanne Harbour Hammontree and her husband Richard; Sue Ellen Harbour Thomas and her husband Bruce; Kim Harbour Gilbert and her husband Randy. No challenge was too big for him when it came to providing for their happiness and well-being, except wading through the sea of women’s clothing on laundry days or waiting his turn in the bathroom to do hair and make-up. John's devotion to his daughters knew no bounds.

He raised his family in the First Presbyterian Church in Calhoun, Ga. He retired to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and resided there for 15 years. He and his wife returned to Calhoun where they were members of Heritage Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with their family.

In addition to being a loving father, John was overjoyed by the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: his grandchildren include, Christy Clyatt, Cari Wilkes, Holly Tondreau, Jordan Cloud, Johnathan Harbour; and great-grandchildren include Kylee Tondreau, Harley Tondreau, Draeden Tondreau, Jackson Rothstein, Harbour Wilkes, and Rylee Cloud brought immense joy into his life. He found true fulfillment in them grow up and being part of their lives. He cherished the moments spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they engaged in various activities, relishing every milestone they achieved.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jo Greeson Harbour; his parents, Alvin Howard Harbour and Martha Ester Buscha Harbour, and his brother Albert Ross Harbour. His family is assured that their reunion in heaven was joyful.

The family of John Harbour received friends Friday, November 17 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Thomas Funeral Home. A funeral service for John was conducted on Saturday November 18 at 2pm at Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Shane Parrott officiating. Musicians were Ron Hammontree, soloist and accompanist Linda Mashburn. Burial was in the Harbour lot of Fain Cemetery. A concluding flag presentation and personal remarks were presented by another career patriot, General W. Terry Nesbitt, (retired).  Pallbearers were Richard Hammontree, Patrick Tondreau, Randy Gilbert, Zip Holland, and Bruce Thomas.

John Alvin Harbour leaves behind an incredible legacy of love of life, devotion to his family, and honorable service to his country. He will forever be remembered as a dedicated father, a loving husband, and a proud patriot. May he find eternal peace as his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.