Our beloved Howard “Happy” Harbuck, 81, of Tifton passed away January 1, 2021 at his residence. A private funeral service and burial will be held for Happy at a later date.
Happy was born on June 19, 1939 in Americus (Sumter County) to the late Myrtle Eubanks Roach. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby Roach and Henry Roach.
Happy was coined with this nickname because he always had a smile on his face and words of positivity. He graduated from Plains High School and Darton State College. He served eight years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronic Tech Instructor and was honorably discharged having received Good Conduct medals, the Vietnam Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Before retiring, he was the General Manager at Griner Oldsmobile and GMC. He was of the Methodist faith. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and loved going to breakfast with his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed watching Nascar and working on cars. He also enjoyed watching football and was a huge Georgia Tech fan.
Happy is survived by his wife, Helen DuPree Harbuck of Tifton; one daughter and son-in-law, Sherae and Gil Howell of Richmond Hill; one son and daughter-in-law, Mitchel and Tiffiny Watson of Tifton; five grandchildren, Tanner Howell and wife Shelley, Zachary Howell, Andrew Howell, Aeron Watson and Baby Watson due this year; one great-granddaughter, Maggie Howell; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Homer and Beth Roach of Albany and Steve and Vie Roach of Americus; and a sister-in-law, Sue Roach.