Floy J. Harberson

Floy J. Harberson, 84, of Haskell passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Benton. He was born March 22, 1928 in Provo, Ark. to the late Dewitt Harberson and Lena Young Harberson. Mr. Harberson was a U. S. Army Air Force veteran from 1946-1949 and a retired welder with Benton Services Center, where he worked 35 years. He spent most of his time during his service, in Iwojima. While in Iwojima, one of his jobs he was proud of was to keep the flag flying on Mount Suribachi. Floy found the cable to replace the rope to raise the flag daily. When Mr. Harberson was thirteen years-old, he went to the Hartford Singing School. In a short time after attending, he taught a singing school. Also, as a teenager, he sang high-tenor with the Hope Southern Gospel Music Quartet. Their music played on the radio. He loved four-part harmony. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Cathy Chastain, one brother, Roy Harberson, and one sister, Zelmaree Killian. He is survived by his wife whom he married January 1, 1949, Grace Dean Goodson Harberson of Haskell; one son, Dennis Harberson and wife Nancy of Ruston, La.; three grandchildren, Chris Chastain (Julie) of Fishers, Ind., Lindsey Billberry (Heath) of Ruston, and Kyle Chastain (Lindsay) of Fishers, and five great-grandchildren, Tucker and Talan Billberry of Ruston, Campbell, Steele, and Quinn Chastain of Fishers; one sister, Velma Harberson of Dierks, Ark.; one son-in-law, Ken Chastain of Benton; one brother-in-law, Leslie Killian of Dierks. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047). A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2012 at Allen Cemetery near Dierks, Ark. in Howard County with Dennis Gage and Ricky Smith officiating. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.