Paul Brooks Harbin

Paul Brooks Harbin went to live with Jesus on August 18th, 2024. He was born July 21st, 1957, in Levelland, TX, to the late Jay B. Harbin and Wilma Dorine “Mama Do” (Griffith) Harbin. Paul graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1975. He attended Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanized agriculture. He married Marla Rhea Winders on April 2nd, 1983.

 A jack of all trades, he worked as a lineman, an electrician, a carpenter, and a plant superintendent at Wilbur Ellis, among many other jobs. He spent the last 27 years working at South Plains College, where he built and enjoyed growing the Electrical and Power Transmission Technology program. He was particularly proud of his work in bringing a substation to the SPC campus for his students’ field experience.

 Paul was a firm believer in and follower of Christ. He is with his Savior now. One of Paul’s greatest gifts was his servant’s heart. He was always at the ready to help folks with home repairs, electrical needs, a friendly visit, or whatever they asked for. He was a prayer warrior, faithfully covering his children and family in prayer each night. Paul’s patience was truly hard to match, but he was heard on the rare occasion to say “Thunderation!” or “Oh my stars!” when in an acutely stressful situation.

 An avid reader, Paul enjoyed studying his Bible or listening to the audio version on his drive to SPC, reading and re-reading his favorite books, combing the library book sale, and reading books to his children and grandchildren. He frequented estate sales to find antiques, books, and furniture. He enjoyed building and restoring furniture. Soil, tree, and plant identification was a hobby of his, as well as growing wildflowers (and coaxing Bluebonnets to grow) in his front flowerbeds. He baked countless batches of biscuits and pinwheels for the kids and grandkids, and enjoyed more than the occasional scoop of Bluebell vanilla ice cream. The family especially enjoyed their frequent dinners with Daddy’s pancakes. He tolerated driving (not running) behind Marla while she jogged. He was proud of his “0.0 miles” sticker. Listening to Bob Wills music, tying knots, and building and shooting firearms were other hobbies he enjoyed in his limited spare time. His grandchildren, who called him Fadder, were one of his greatest joys. He spent time with them building a treehouse, slide, and zipline, playing wahoo, and introducing them to John Wayne movies. These are just a very few of the family’s favorite memories.

 Those left to honor his memory and carry on his legacy include his wife, Marla (Winders) Harbin; his daughter, Kalli Burk and husband Michael Burk; his daughter Leah Wallace and husband Steven Wallace; his daughter, Hannah Harbin and fiancé Kaiki Luera; his daughter Maddie Anguiano and husband Marcus Anguiano; his grandchildren Ada Burk (12), Elli Burk (8), Nathan Burk (5), and Luci Brooks Burk (2). Also surviving him is one brother, Mark Harbin and wife Mary of Jarrell, and a sister, Jayellen (Harbin) Wilson and husband Eddie of Levelland, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 A celebration of life service and fellowship will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, in the Griffith Family Center at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ, 1701 Quaker Ave. Come ready to share your favorite memories of Paul if you feel inclined to share.

Paul’s Top 22 Books:

1. The Bible
2. Sand by Will James
3. The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
5. The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
6. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
7. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
8. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (Paul’s favorite in the series)
9. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
11. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
12. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
13. The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
14. Baffled to Fight Better by Oswald Chambers
15. Flying Colours by C.S. Forester
16. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
17. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
18. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
19. Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick
20. How Shall We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer
21. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
22. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

A note from Paul, in the cover of The Quotable Lewis: “C.S. Lewis has much to say about many things. Obviously. The important thing is his relationship to the Father, and I hope this book enhances your relationship to Him.”