Julius Halbert Harbison

Julius "Jigger" Harbison, age 87, a resident of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, was born on October 18, 1938, and passed away on May 26, 2026.

Jigger was a proud graduate of Peter F. Alba High School. He was a member of the high school football team and band, but his favorite high school memory was meeting the love of his life, Jerry Harbison. After graduating, he started his family with Jerry and began his career working for the State Docks. During his time there, he worked on the Alice and Jamelle, which were owned by the State of Alabama and used to transport the governor and other politicians for meetings and entertainment.

Later he worked for Chevron on the oil rigs. His early years formed his love of the water and led him to purchase his shrimp boat, the "Charity" and later the "Lavana Danette," which was named after his mother and daughters. Before his retirement, he worked at the University of South Alabama on the Alice and Jamelle-the same yachts where his career began.

More than anything, Jigger was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest pride was always his family.

In his free time, Jigger loved to fish, hunt, attend church, spend time with his wife and family, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. He was committed to the Lord, to maintaining his relationships through all walks of life, and to making the best pot of gumbo in Bayou La Batre. He will be missed dearly by his family, his friends, and his community.

Julius is preceded in death by his parents, John Harbison and Lavana Childress Harbison; his devoted wife, Jerry McGallagher Harbison; his siblings, Barbara LaForce and Winston Harbison; his brother-in-law, Lionell LaForce; and his great-grandson, Matthew Payne.

He is survived by his children, Danette Harbison, Christi (Danny) Harbison Jones, and Darren Harbison; his grandchildren, Aaron (Latasha) Hofer, Deloria (Tim) Payne, Nicholas (Krystal) Jones, Katie (Zachary) Schjott-Webster, and Julie (Christopher) Nelson; and his great-grandchildren, Gabrielle (John), Jayson, Julius, Aubree, Jordan, Justin, Jonah, Miles, Vera, Cash, Luke, Jack, Ruby, Flynn, and Remi.

Julius's visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at First Evangelical Methodist Church/ Harbor Pointe Church with family invited to arrive at 3p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service at Oddfellows Cemetery will follow.

Pallbearers: Nicholas Jones, Aaron Hofer, Timothy Payne, Christopher Nelson, Carlyle Harbison, and Scott McGallagher

Honorary Pallbearers: Gilbert "Bubba" Castelin, Jackie Ladnier, John "Bootsie" Lands, Wayne McGallagher, Winston Steiner, and Johnny Childress.