Chester A. Harberson's Obituary
Chester Allen Harberson, 84, left this earth proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He eased into the arms of Jesus on July 13, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born November 3, 1938, at home in Perryville, KY to the late Clyde Karrick and Edna Gibson Harberson. He is survived by 2 daughters, Debra Harberson and Carol Harberson (Donny Eicher), 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; a niece, Lisa and dog Roscoe. He joined the Navy and was stationed on the USS Kearsarge where he was in charge of damage control. While stationed in San Diego on leave, he would hitchhike with his best friend Carl to Elmonte, CA where he met his future wife, Betty. When he was discharged from the Navy he started working at Open Road Campers in California; then transferred to Florida to open and operate Open Road Campers on Ulmerton Rd in Largo. He then transferred to Maryland to open another Open Road Plant. After that plant closed, he moved his family to Florida and started his own business in partnership with William Swanston and it was called Harberson Swanston RV. It started with service and parts and then added RV sales. He eventually bought out the partnership and the dealership became Harberson RV. He was a great businessman who others looked up to and succeeded in his business for over 50 years and it is still going strong. Over the years Chet's business has received numerous awards. (Top Dealer, Million Dollar Club, Top 100 Largest Companies in Tampa Bay, Fast 50 Recognizing Tampa Bays area's fastest growing companies)His Moto was focus on customer relations. You get one happy customer he'll tell 1-2, You get one unhappy customer he'll tell 20. His mind was always on enhancing his business and providing for his family.
He enjoyed investing in the stock market and playing Blackjack (which he was very good at) He had a love for the ocean and loved being out on the water. He traveled the world. He loved going on cruises with family and friends (Ann & Richard). One of his great enjoyments was sitting in golf cart with Roscoe with glass of wine. Chester was generous in the helping of others, he was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be truly missed until we are reunited for the eternal life in heaven. Chester was preceded in death by his wife Betty Harberson; son, Victor Harberson; brothers, Gene Harberson, Marvin Harberson and sister Mildred Matherly. Contributions may be made to https://www.aamds.org/donate
What’s your fondest memory of Chester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chester?
Share a story where Chester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chester you’ll never forget.
How did Chester make you smile?