Franklin D. Harbour
Franklin D. Harbour, 86, of Lebanon, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Thursday April 24, 2024, at his home, after battling pancreatic cancer for several months.
Franklin D. (only initial-no middle name ever given) Harbour was born March 2, 1939, in Wayne County, Tennessee, to Frank and Mary Harbour. He was a farmer from birth, attended church with his parents, and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1957. After graduation, he left for Nashville and worked for Eli Witt Cigar Co. He worked on the docks, in shipping, and driving delivery routes.
There he met his first wife Marie, and they were married 42 years. Once married, they ran their own business at Lakeside Market for approximately 20 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman with his buddies Joe and Jackie. He sponsored several baseball teams and changed to softball once his daughters were playing. He was deputized as a sheriff for Wilson County and lobbied for the fire department close to Lakeview Elementary School. He bought and sold land and often told Kim that land was the key to everything.
One of the land purchases was a farm and future home for the Harbours. Farming was in his blood, and along with a huge garden came cows and horses. From the 80s to mid-90s, Franklin worked as a security guard at Opryland, Kroger, and Robert Orr Sysco. They stayed on the farm for approximately 27 years, until Marie passed away.
After Marie's death, Franklin was lucky enough to find love again. Franklin and Alice met at "The River," now known as GC Church, and have been married 18 and a half years. They honeymooned in Alaska, which is the farthest from home he ever traveled. He served as an usher and volunteered whenever possible at carnivals, etc. Franklin and Alice hosted life groups in their home for a couple of years. Franklin was dedicated to yard work, and he continued gardening at his daughter's house. Tomatoes, corn, squash, and peppers were his favorites.
Did you know Franklin won 50k in the Powerball?
He was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was the Best of the Best and believed in God.
May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Wilkerson Harbour; wife of 42 years, Marie Jackson Harbour; siblings, Tom Helton, James Harbour, and Mary Ann Linville; daughter, Beth Harbour; stepchildren, Jennifer Rogers and Jimmy Baird.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Alice Harbour; daughter, Kimberly Harbour; stepdaughter, Loraine (James Hage) Baird; stepson-in-law, Scott Rogers; grandsons, Christopher Nistler and Franklin Nistler; bonus granddaughter, Nichole Collins; step-grandchildren, Rubi, Garrett, Aminah, Portia, Jade, Rubi, Sianna, and Trey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends was held Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Old Hickory, TN, from 10:00-12:00PM. Services were held at 12:00PM in the Tulip Grove Chapel of the funeral home. Interment followed at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers were Chris Nistler, Frank Nistler, Jerry Batson, Andrew Douglas, Jeremy Robertson, and Frankie Matthews.
Honorary pallbearers were great grandsons Landon Tweed, Myles Nistler, and Franklin Nistler.
