Brent Harbin

Philip Brent Harbin, age 44 of Athens passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at his home.

A native of Cleveland and resident of McMinn County most of his life. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Gloria Harbin, Dorothy and Bobby Neil Cobb, Ludwina Jeffreys and best friend Joshua Beau Borden.

He joined the Army reserves in 1998 and did his basic training at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri and entered in as a reservist after high school graduation in 1999 and served 14 months in Iraq with the 4th Infantry division beginning in 2002.

After he was discharged from the military he worked for the Department of Defense as an instructor in simulator training and also worked in communications. He was also employed as a Roto-Rooter technician for many years.

To know Brent is to love him.  The moment I saw him with a cup of boiled peanuts, I knew he was going to be my guy.  He wasn't perfect but he was perfect for me.  We created a wonderful family together and we will always cherish our memories and love for him.  My one wish is that we would have met sooner so I could have known him longer.  You're always in our hearts and we will love you "forevery."

Brent was a deep feeler with a kind heart.  To know him was to know his distinctive sense of humor which often left those around him smiling.  He was always quick to help out family and friends.  Brent was a beloved husband, father, son and brother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors:

Wife of 17 years Mari Harbin;

1 son, Beau Harbin of Riceville;

1 daughter, Mena Harbin of Riceville;

Parents, Jane and Vaughn Jeffreys of Athens, Philip and Trisha Harbin of Riceville;

Father and Mother-in-law, Takasi and Fumi Okutani of Wilmington, NC;

Brother-in-law, Ryuichi Okutani of Raleigh, NC;

Brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Desiree Harbin Mt. Juliet, TN

Sister and Brother-in-law, Beth and Sean Bulow of Cleveland

Step-sister and husband, Amber and Craig Breeden of Englewood'

Step-brother and wife, Brandon and Brooke Hilyer of Deatsville, AL

Nieces and Nephews, Braiden Boudouin, Jase Boudouin, Archer Bulow, Larkin Bulow, Levi Breeden Parker Hilyer, and Logan Hilyer

Opa Frank Jeffreys.

Funeral Services will be 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Jeffrey Haney officiating.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at McMinn Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Carlos Womac, Hunter Sullivan, Stevie Hope, Matt Cobb, Bracken Cobb and Sean Bulow. Honorary pallbearer Brandon King. The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/Philip-Harbin. A memorial scholarship fund in Brent's Memory is set up at Simmons Bank.  Those wishing to contribute, please make checks out to Mari Harbin and note Memorial Account in the memo line.