Frank B. Harbison

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Frank Bryan Harbison, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on October 6, 2026. Born on September 27, 1962, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Frank was the cherished son of his late parents, Chester Lee Harbison (1975) Father, Nancy Carol Harbison (2016) Mother. Paternal grandparents Brian (1955) & Della (1983) Harbison, Maternal grandparents Frank (2005) & Mazie (1995) Dabbs & Samuel Howell (1994) He graduated highschool from Charlie Fowler Christian School in Mt. View, Arkansas in 1980 and furthered his education at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, before transferring to the University of Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1985 with his BSB in Pastoral Studies. In 1990, Frank embarked on a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Master Chief. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1990 - 2020. Stationed in Japan - Yokosuka, Misawa and Atsugi, California - San Diego, then Florida - Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mayport. History of assignments included: USS Independence June 1991 - Dec 1994, Naval Air Facility Mar 1995 - Apr 1998, Warlords HSL-51 Jun 1998 - June 2004, Seahawks HSL-41 Jun 2004 - Jul 2007, Nightdippers HS-5 Aug 2007- Aug 2010, Center For Naval Aviation Technical Training Aug 2010 - Aug 2013, Swamp Fox HSM - 74 Oct 2013 - May 2016, NATTC Pensacola June 2016 - May 2019, Grandmaster HSM -46 May 2019 - Jan 2020, Commander HSM Winglant Jan 2020- Dec 2020. Here are his listed career and employment accomplishments. 30 Years U.S. Navy - Awards and Declarations include: the Navy & Marine Commendations Medal (5); the Joint Service Achievement Medal; the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3); the Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; the Navy "E" Ribbon; the Good Conduct Medal (9); the National Defense Medal; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Armed Forces Service Medal; the Humanitarian Service Medal; the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Seas Service Deployment Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Navy Expert Pistol and Rifle Qualification Medal. Following his retirement, Frank continued his dedicated career in aviation, joining Tyonek Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Tyonek Native Corporation, in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2020. As an aircraft mechanic team lead, he took great pride in overseeing his personnel and maintaining the operational readiness of military aircraft. Frank earned the profound respect of his colleagues, who remember him as an exemplary leader of deep wisdom and integrity. He served as a cornerstone of guidance for his team, celebrated for his composure and his innate ability to introduce a steady, calming influence to the workplace. While his professional achievements were noteworthy, it was his personal life that brought him the greatest joy. On December 22, 1992, Frank married his beloved Abegail in Springfield, Missouri. Together, they shared 33 wonderful years, including many spent overseas during Frank's naval service. Frank was a devoted father to his daughters, Brooke (Brian) Gidzinski, Winter (Dylan) Wilson, and Annalee Harbison, and a proud grandfather to his grandson, Jetson. Frank's life was a testament to dedication, service, and love. Frank's kindness, generosity, and humor touched everyone who knew him. He was quick-witted, forgiving, and known for putting others before himself. Whether he was golfing, fishing, walking his dogs, or preparing holiday meals for his family, Frank approached everything with passion and love. Frank's legacy of love and service will be carried on by his surviving family: his loving wife, Abegail; his mother-in-law, Irene Artisuela; his daughters and grandson; his sisters, Lea Ann (Harbison) Scurlock and Nancy "Jodi" (Harbison) Felton ; his nieces, Roxie Felton and Katie Scurlock; his nephews, Asher Felton and Keegan Scurlock; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In honor of Frank's life and service, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to three specific causes that support our military community and frontline heroes. Contributions can be directed to Operation Support Our Troops, which sends care packages to deployed service members and supports military families; Valor Service Dogs, which trains and pairs PTSD and mobility assistance dogs with wounded post-9/11 veterans; or to local veteran groups and first responder services that provide direct care and support within the local community. Frank's warmth, compassion, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.