Just before the sun came up Friday morning, August 28, 2020, the love of my life, Richard, transitioned from earth and watched his first sunrise from Heaven.
Richard Sargent Harbin, 76, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Richard was a beloved member of First Baptist Church Woodstock where he served faithfully in the choir, parking lot, usher and intercessory prayer ministries. He had worked as a Mercedes technician at RBM, a Quality Control Specialist for BMW before medically retiring.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Earnestine Harbin Litton,his brother Thomas Lamar Harbin and daughter Rhonda Harbin Burntnet. Richard is survived by his wife Mary Sue Harbin, Daughter Renee Harbin (Jimmy) Brown, Niece Karen Harbin (Brent) Treadway and four sons - Chad (Alyssa) Rickman, Brandon (Kellye) Rickman, Matt (Jody) Bell, and Brian (Leslie) Bell. Richard was also graced and blessed with 14 grandchildren including Adam Brown, Matthew (Calyn) Bell, Brooke (Bryan) Futral, Sarah (Derek) Murphy, Jacob Bell, Josh Bell, True Rickman, Brian Bell Jr., Rose Rickman, Harrison Rickman and London Bell whom he adored, not to mention numerous nieces and nephews as well.
Richard was a great friend to many who loved him dearly. Some called him son, brother, Dad, Uncle Dickie, Papa, Uncle R, friend, a great encourager - a memory maker. His tenacity and genuine love for others was always at the core of how he approached life. He was a fiercely competitive card player, mischievous and fun eager to make others laugh, a devout Georgia Bulldog fan, and a man who would never turn down any dessert. He embraced all that life had to offer and lived it so completely. Richard was brave, courageous, and stood on the foundation of Christ, set apart and saved! Of all the ways Richard could be described as, the most important thing to him was to be known as forgiven. His life verse was Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." To Richard, to live was to die for Christ in Christ sharing his testimony so that others would come to salvation as well.
We are who we are because of him.

Richard was always about making a difference, building a legacy of love that would reach far beyond himself. In honor of that, we, the family, ask that in lieu of flowers , everyone show their love by giving a donation to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, or by purchasing Bibles to donate to charities of your choosing.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Monday, August 31, 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Woodstock to celebrate his life and legacy.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.lakesidefuneralhomega.com. Lakeside Funeral Home 121 Claremore Drive Woodstock GA 30188 ph. (770) 293-2757 is honored to assist the Harbin family.