Robert ?Barn Rat? Harbison

Robert ?Barn Rat? Harbison, 61, of Morganton died Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Grace Hospital. Born May 15, 1950 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Joseph Carter and Nellie Mae Harbison. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Allen Conley; a brother, Archie Leary; and his former wife, Ella Mae Johnson. He attended New Hope in Christ Baptist Church, and was a former employee of Norman Construction.Robert is survived by sons, Robert Conley and wife, Amanda, Herman Johnson and Henry Johnson all of Morganton; daughters Karen and George Johnson , Barbara Johnson , Debra Johnson , all of Morganton Robert Conley?s mother, Dianne Conley of Morganton; grandsons, Kellen Conley and Julian Harbison; and a host of other grandchildren and great grandchildren brothers, Ivory Leary, Clifton Leary, and Gilbert Leary and Cherly; a sister, Dessiree Bristol and Gene; aunts, Kay Griffin, Lizzie Harbison,, Wilma Grimes , Doretha Carson , Elizabeth Brown and Margarette Harbison; and uncles, Rev. Herbert Carter, Robert Carter, Harold Carter and Charles Carter.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2011 at New Hope in Christ Baptist Church with Revs. Max Bristol and Herbert Carter officiating. Inurnment will follow at Olive Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Herman Johnson or Dianne Conley.Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.