Oscar Wilson Harbin, 74

Oscar Wilson Harbin, 74, of Saluda, NC died of a heart attack at his home on Dec. 6,, 2014. A memorial celebrating his life will be held in the Jackson Funeral Service chapel in Hendersonville, NC at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015. Visitation begins at 1.

Born in Brevard, NC, Oscar was the son of the late Oscar Wilson Harbin Sr. and wife Inez. He attended Brevard High School and was a graduate of UNC - Chapel Hill, where he studied botany, chemistry, and English. He worked for DuPont in the electronics division for many years as a technical writer, sales representative, and sales manager. After his retirement he actively served his community, especially through the Masons, serving as District Deputy Grand Master for Western North Carolina. He was a man of tremendous intellectual curiosity, a dynamic and compelling speaker and storyteller, and a genuinely kind and tolerant person. He was well-liked and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Harbin, their daughter, Emily Harbin, of Spartanburg, SC, and his daughter Camille Herndon (Jeff) of Largo, FL, and grandchildren Jake and Emma Herndon. Also surviving are his brother, Keith Harbin (Charlene) of Lake Toxaway, NC and relatives in Winston-Salem, NC.

Donations may be made to a scholarship created in his honor, the Oscar Harbin Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please place a note on the memo section of the check and mail to:

Polk County Unity Lodge # 482

PO Box 211

Saluda, NC 28773

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.