Committal
Billy “Jobe” Harbison, 70, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, following a period of declining health.
Born in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Billy and Ellie Franklin Harbison of Drexel. An accomplished individual from a young age, Jobe earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He dedicated 25 years of service to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, protecting his community across multiple roles including; Animal Control, Detention, Road Patrol, and Chief Bailiff. Jobe also served as a reserve officer with Morganton Public Safety and the Drexel Police Department.
Jobe was a faithful member of Bethel Church of Christ and a Master Mason with Lovelady Lodge No. 670 A.F. & A.M. in Valdese, NC. He had a deep love for the outdoors, especially enjoying his fishing trips with Gary and Jeff Coffey, as well as his trips to Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Known affectionately by friends such as “Jobe,” “Hobbs.” “Hobby,” and “Ja-bay,” he possessed a great sense of humor and loved bringing warmth and laughter to those around him.
He is survived by his lifelong companion, Kay Rhodes; her sons, Shane Rhodes and Chad Rhodes; cousins, Martha Howell, Julie French, Jennifer Fulbright; his beloved friends, Brooks and Amanda Holder.
In addition to his parents, Jobe was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Harbison Schmit, and other family members.
Jobe will be truly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live in the hearts of his family, friends, and community he served.
The family will receive friends from 5pm until 6pm, Friday, September 4, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 6pm in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Richard Via officiating. There will be a private family burial with Masonic Rites provided by the Lovelady Lodge No. 670 A.F. & A.M.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Billy “Jobe” Harbison.
He will truely be missed, always enjoyed talking and laughing with him, may God comfort and give peace to all.
I’m sorry to hear about Jobe. He was a nice man. I cut his hair at the salon for a while. Fun guy to be around. I loved his sweet sister, LINDA who passed before her time. And of course his sweet mama. Now they are all gone and hopefully together in Heaven, God bless this family and bring them peace.
Jobe was a dear friend and confidant to myself and my late husband, Lawrence. They were huge fishing buddies and Jobe would always come to Kiawah Island in Nov and spend the first week of the month with us. We so enjoyed his company and I never worried about my husband when he was out with Jobe. They caught their limit of huge flounder every day and just had a good time together. He and my sister, Kay, had a 30+ year relationship and I considered him part of my family. He will surely be missed by all of us. I just pray he and my Lawrence hook up in heaven and find the biggest fishing hole on Heaven's shore and continue the adventures that enjoyed so much together here on earth. Rest in peace, my friend and give my Lawrence a hug and tell him he still lives in my heart.
Martha and Joyce my deepest condolences for the loss of your cousin I remember him when his mother worked at Jack b quick in Drexel he was always in there with her and he was very friendly and he and I had some very interesting conversations I know you've got some great memories of him and he'll be greatly missed by you I had the opportunity to talk with him several times after he had his back surgery in February we had some interesting conversations at that time and we were able to remember and talk about some of the conversations we had at the store you're in my thoughts and prayers the last time I talked with him in May he was looking forward to doing some fishing I'll also miss talking with him as well take care
Jobe was a solid dependable law enforcement officer during his LEO years. He knew everyone and treated people with respect. He never complained of any ailments he might have had. Jobe always offered something positive to every conversation. RIP brother.
Jobe was a great friend and co-worker! We remained friends after we both retired from the Sheriff’s Office. Jobe was a friend I could call and talk to about anything. I will miss his laughter and his friendship. R.I.P. my friend until we meet again.
Kobe was a man of great substance. Besides the laughter, we carried on deep conversations on a number of different topics. He was kind to my youngest son when he visited the courthouse. Of deepest meaning to me, Lt. Harrison served as my courtroom bailiff, and closed out my final day of court with great dignity and grace.
Jobe man, you were such a good man. A friend to all and all will miss you my brother.
Jobe, your life mattered. Rest easy brother. Until we meet again…