Thomas “Tom” Frank Harbin Jr. was born July 2, 1952 in Mobile, Alabama  to Frank and Robbie Harbin. He passed away on July 4, 2024 at the age of 72 with family at his side. Tom graduated from Davidson High School and received his BS in Chemistry from Auburn in 1974. He pursued a career as a veterinarian and graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He worked briefly in Tampa, FL before moving to Manchester. There he and his wife, Sarah, owned and operated the Animal Health Clinic for 35 years and raised their family. He continued his veterinary work part-time when he and Sarah returned to Alabama in 2016. He served clients and mentored staff at Golden Animal Hospital and most recently Partners for Pets Veterinary Clinic. He has also been a featured lecturer at the Auburn Veterinary School on reptile husbandry, reproduction, and medicine. He served his community through his compassionate care for animals, whether large or small animals and including reptiles.  Tom also had several other hobbies he pursued such as, woodworking and carpentry, construction, playing guitar, leading worship, reading, hunting for collectibles, riding motorcycles, luthier (guitar building), golfing, scuba diving, gem mining, playing piano, and more. Tom had an adventurous zest for life and enjoyed God’s diverse creation. He was an excellent steward of all the spaces, places, and abilities God gave him.  However, one hobby began as a little boy when he would catch snakes in his yard. This fostered a lifelong interest that eventually led him to create Tom Harbin Reptiles, specializing in ball pythons along with other reptiles of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Most humans are taught to fear snakes from a young age, but he respected them as another part of God’s creation and taught others how to do the same. It has never failed to be a great way for him to begin connecting with people.

With all his abilities, skills, talents, and interests, one of his favorite sayings was, “Do or do not, there is no try.”

Most of all, Tom loved God and faithfully walked with Jesus. He was not hesitant to share that with anyone and everyone. He had the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a dedicated servant leader at the churches or ministries he participated in by serving as a teacher, worship leader, hosting people in their home, counseling or giving hope to those hurting. He was a shepherd for over two decades at Forest Mill Church of Christ, New Life, and Landmark Church of Christ. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Sarah Ellen Harbin. She was his favorite person and devoted partner. They have two sons, Josh (Alisha) of Louisville, TN and Ben (Laura) of Hixson, TN, his two grandsons, Blayne and Brantley, his brother, Terry (Mary Lynn) Harbin of Mobile, Alabama, his aunt, Jeanne Burkett, also of Mobile, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Robbie Harbin, and sister, Kimberly Harbin. The family held two Celebration of Life services. The first, at Landmark Church of Christ, in Montgomery, Alabama was on Friday, July 12, from 3 – 6 p.m. with the service following  at 6 p.m. The second service was in Manchester at First Baptist Church on Saturday, July 20. Visitation was at 2 p.m. with the service to follow at 6 p.m.  Tom lived a full life and we invite you to contribute your stories of him here: https://www.newlywords.com/tom-harbin.  In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship

C/O Brandee Payne

104 Greene Hall

Auburn, AL 36849

Checks payable to: AUF