Ivan Franklin Harber, Jr. (Frank) of Franklin, NC passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71. At the time of his passing, he was in the care of

Solace Hospice Center in Asheville NC. Frank was born in Leesburg, FL on October 28, 1954. Son of Ivan Franklin Harber, Sr. and Jackie L. (Cummings) Harber. Frank graduated from Ft. Pierce Central HS (72), IRCC earning his Associate’s Degree, Barry University earning his Bachelors Degree, Florida Institute of Technology earning his Masters Degree, and proudly completed his Doctorate Degree at University of South Florida earning his Educational Leadership Degree.

In Frank’s lifetime he achieved much and expected little. He was President of Key Club in High School, sold Christmas trees for Kiwanis Club, biked to Miami from Ft. Pierce to raise money for Key Club, lived in a cave for 6 weeks with a buddy in Arkansas with bats, collecting artifacts and arrowheads.

Frank’s work career included delivering newspapers for The News Tribune, selling men’s clothing at Smitty’s Mens Shop while working as a Deputy at the Sheriff’s Department, worked at First Citizens Federal as an Account Executive, owned a Magazine Shop, a woman’s shoe store, owned his own Advertising Agency, worked as and Accounts Manager at the News Tribune, taught as an Adjunct Professor at IRSC, then became a Full Professor and also became Department Chair in the Business Department. Frank also currently holds a Florida Real Estate License.

Frank’s strong faith was a priority in his life. A devoted member of FUMC in Ft. Pierce where he served on several committees, ushered, and taught the Bloomin Boomers Sunday School Class. He and Kathy raised their 3 children in the church and always encouraged and supported their involvement.

In retirement, he and Kathy moved to the mountains in Franklin NC in a little valley called Cowee. There he continued his spiritual journey at Snow Hill UMC as treasurer, acolyte, and teacher of the Adult Sunday School Class.

Frank loved to golf, fish, cook, watch news & cop shows, and for the last 3 years attended Zumba classes with Kathy 2 days each week.

Frank was a very funny man (who walked at his HS graduation with one purple and one gold Converse High Top/school colors of course). He maintained his humor even during his final day.

Frank’s greatest pride in his lifetime was being a father to his 3 amazing children. An even Greater Joy was becoming a Poppy to his 7 cherished and adored Grandchildren. He loved sharing family vacations, holidays, laughter, and always had a story to tell.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathy (Morris) Harber, oldest son Adam Harber (fiancée Audra), daughter Ashley Smith (Jeff), youngest son Ben Harber (Shayne), seven grandchildren, Isabella Minton, Connor Harber, Jeffrey Smith, Jr., Cameron Harber,

Riley Harber, Sutton Smith, Xander Harber, and his sister Debbie Tedder (Jim).

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Ivan F. Harber, Sr. and Jackie l. (Cummings) Harber. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Snow Hill UMC 330 Snow Hill Road Franklin NC 28734 and Jackie Harber Scholarship Fund through IRSC Foundation 3209 Virginia Ave. Ft. Pierce FL 34981.

A private internment of ashes will take place prior to the Celebration of Life Service which will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 2:00 p.m. The service will take place at Snow Hill UMC 330 Snow Hill Road Franklin, NC. Following the celebration of Life Service everyone is invited to attend Frank’s After Party. His wish was that family, and friends would honor his life in celebration and not be sad, lifting memories and laughs to commemorate his life in a Big Way.

Frank’s After Party will be held at Wildflower Clubhouse 65 Clubhouse Drive Franklin, NC 28734 immediately following his Celebration of Life Service.