Jackie Ray Harbour, 73, of Clinton, Arkansas passed away peacefully on his beloved mountain surrounded by his family and took his place with the heavenly family band, Saturday, April 10, 2021. He was born on January 21, 1948, in Magnolia, Arkansas to the late Ray and Marie (Martin) Harbour.
He is preceded in death by both his parents, loving grandparents, brother, Mike, and a son, Joseph Shaine Harbour Walker.
Left to cherish the precious memory of Jackie are his loving wife of 44 years, Debbie Harbour, daughter, Stacy Castillo and her husband, Raul and their children, Zachary and his wife Jessica, Candace, Tiger, Cera, and their granddaughter, Teeny, another daughter, Carlyn Renee Rockett and her husband Travis, their son, Joe Sky, and daughters; Amber, Taylor, grandchildren; BJ, Karina, Bryston, Kelly, Gracie, great-grandchildren; Kadien, Payton, Liam, numerous loving cousins, a multitude of loving family members, and friends.
Jack spent 34 years in the oil industry; making friends all over the world. After retirement, he and Debbie became truck drivers and spent 13 years seeing the country and delivering the goods. His passion were his family and his music.
Honorary pallbearers are Rex Martin, Jr., Ricky Wyrick, William Howard Laney, Jr., Danny Ray Laney, Raul Castillo, Travis Rockett, Richard Farrington, and Albert Morgan.
Golden Silence
What do we do when the last song is done? The record has played through and the arm clicks back into place. In that golden silence we reflect on how the song made us feel. That is the gift that music gives us. Not the notes throughout but the silence at the end when our soul files it away to be cherished and remembered. From the beginning to the end, our brain and heart conspire together turning the song this way and that trying on the story of the melody. Wrapping the notes and the words around every fiber of our soul and in that silence, we are made just a bit more whole as the song becomes a part of us forever. Whether we realize or not, we bring every song with us… some we love… some we don’t… but they all come with us. Daddy always said bring the music past where you found it. I used to think that just meant teach people how to make music, to share the music you love with others, and that music is life. I had it backwards. Life is music and people are the songs. Every person we interact with becomes a part of us just like the songs do. It’s true that Daddy taught us how to play and yes, he bought many people their first instrument. He also gave money to people in need. He opened his homes to those without one. He helped people fix their vehicles… their homes. He got people jobs. He inspired people to better themselves. He brought people past where he found them… Just like the music. Those of us left behind have the gift of this golden silence. Take this time to remember the greatest of songs and how it made us all feel.
RIP my sweet Daddy, my favorite song.
Written by his youngest daughter, Carlyn.