William "Kyle" Harberson

William “Kyle” Harberson, beloved son of Ken Harberson (deceased) and Brenda Bates Harberson went into the arms of his loving savior, Jesus Christ, on December 13, 2024. His life will be celebrated on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home (1921 Main Street, North Little Rock). A visitation will be held at 10:30 AM with a funeral service following at 11:30AM. Burial will be at Arkansas State Veterans cemetery at 1:00PM. 

Kyle was born on January 15, 1960 in San Antonio, Texas, weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces; he was big from the start! Kyle is preceded in death by his baby sister, Teresa and baby brother, John Kenneth Harberson, Jr. Kyle truly was our miracle baby from God. I will forever be thankful for the almost 65 years we had with him. 

We were an Air Force family for 20 years until Ken’s retirement in 1974. Kyle always looked forward to his summers. Some great times in swimming pools, boy scout campouts, seeing his cousins, visiting his grandparents, and great grandparents on their farm at Harvey. In his high school years, he had an early morning paper route, earning his first income. His alarm clock was set to go off in a metal dishpan. He still got in his swimming and was really good at it. 

Later in his early Navy years, Kyle would try out for the SEALS. He loved his Harley’s always keeping them in top shape. He rode with some very good friends over the years. He rode part-time for Richard Dixon Escort Service in the Little Rock area. He loved it and his friends until the end of his life. Wonder if God has a Harley waiting on him in Heaven. Kyle’s other loves were antique Mustangs. His dearest and best love interest were his two cats, Sabrina and Trixie. He rescued each as very young strays. These two were not the end of his rescue mission. Since he was on the road a lot with his jobs, he could easily see those little ones that needed a home. Rain or shine, Kyle would catch them, bring them home, feed them, clean them up and take them to the area shelter. 

He was a very generous tipper and could never pass up a man or woman who needed some money. Kyle always enjoyed our family gatherings. Thankfully we had one at Greenwood just last September. He was faithful in so many ways. On days I didn’t feel well or when I was recovering from surgery, he would bring me a chocolate shake. 

Kyle graduated high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He played and loved football. Two bruised kidneys stopped that roll. Upon graduating, he joined the US Navy. He saw so much of the world and enjoyed it for 12 years. He then decided he wanted to live on land again. He worked for National Cash Register, Blue Cross Blue Shield and currently Xerox. He has always treasured his many lasting friendships. Kyle had planned to retire on January 15, 2025, his 65th birthday. But God had other plans for him. 

I don’t want to pass up this opportunity to acknowledge the precious family members who preceded Kyle in death. Grandparents, Loyd and Bernice Harberson of Boles, Arkansas; Lorraine and Bryan Bates of Waldron, Arkansas; uncles, Bobby (Erma) and Bill (Dora), Charles (Mary) Harberson, great-grandparents, Bass and Irene Monroe of Harvey, Arkansas and “Judgy” W. A. Bates of Waldron, Arkansas.

Now those who are living, Doug Harberson (Barbara) of Fort Worth, Texas, aunt, Dora Dyess Harberson of Pensacola, Florida, uncle, Bill Bates (Lynda) of Waldron, Arkansas, aunt, Maria Bates Shelby (Rick) of Greenwood, Arkansas, Robert, Annette, Linda, Diana Harberson and more, plus second cousins. Thank you, dear friends and relatives, for your good influence upon Kyle. 

In lieu of flowers, we as a family and certainly Kyle, would love for you to make a donation in Kyles memory for the dear animals at the North Little Rock Animal Shelter (1 Championship Drive, NLR, 72118 501.791.8577)