Terry L. Harbert
October 6, 1952 ~ June 1, 2021
Terry L. Harbert, 68, of Taylorville, died on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at his residence.
Terry was born October 6, 1952 in Taylorville, the son of George W. and E. Maybelle (Burns) Harbert. He graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 1970, and went to work as an over the road trucker for over 30 years. Over the course of his career, Terry had driven over one million miles, visiting every state but Hawaii. He married Nancy L. Kemp on September 29, 1986 in Taylorville, and they have enjoyed nearly 35 years of marriage.
Terry’s close friends called him “Habit”. He had an adventurous spirit, but a soft and kind heart. Terry was generous to a fault, and he would do anything for anyone, expecting nothing in return. He loved his dogs, and he loved being outdoors. Terry enjoyed mowing the yard, and he enjoyed ice cold Miller High Life. Terry was a member of the Teamsters Local 916 in Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his father; and grandmother, Josephine Shew.
Terry is survived by his mother, E. Maybelle Harbert of Taylorville; his wife, Nancy L. Harbert of Taylorville; children, Adam (wife, Shayna) Thomason of Skokie, Grant (Katie Hughes) Harbert of Austin, TX, and Hayley (Jimmy Palmer) Harbert of Taylorville; grandchildren, Sophie Joyce Thomason, Owen Palmer, and Otto Palmer; sister, Sandy (husband, Larry) Garmon of Springfield; nephew, Tomey (wife, Lori) Wilson; and great niece and nephew, Jolie and Evan.
Terry will be cremated and no public services will be held at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Rd, Taylorville, IL 62568.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Terry, or offer condolences to his family.
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Nancy and family: My heart is broken for all of you on the loss of Terry. “Habit” was my dear friend and there are so many memories of times spent together. He will always hold a special place in our hearts and we’ll think of him always. He was one of a kind. RIP Terry! Love you!
Nancy and family, Our sincere sympathy to all. Many fond memories come to mind reflecting on growing up in the same neighborhood with Terry and also as a Class of 1970 classmate. Harbs will ALWAYS have a place in our hearts. May all your special memories bring smiles and may the love of family and friends help you as you journey through this very sad time. Love, Jim & Pam Aden McGowan
Nancy – Our sincere sympathy to you and your family as you remember Terry. He was a jewel of a friend and classmate and he will be missed but not forgotten. We send our love and caring thoughts to you during this difficult time.
I remember Terry Harbert well. First met him at the Ritz; owned by his future father-in-law (That’s where our local classical education began). Terry was so straight-forward and we loved him for it. And he could throw a verbal punch in that plain language, yet measured voice. I liked Terry Harbert; he was a good man. He was a good man.
I am so very sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. My sympathies go out to all of his Family.
Thinking of you Nancy & the entire Harbert Family at this time. The “Bad Habit”, was a very good fellow! He will be missed by all who were fortunate to have come across his path in this life! May God Bless & Keep Him! RIP Terry
I worked with Terry at ABF, and was shocked to see that he had died. He was a very friendly guy, and a good man. Please accept my condolences.
Nancy, so very sorry for your loss of Terry. Sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this sad time.
Terry was so kind to me and all of the kids when we were growing up. He was so special to me because he treated me like a full human being, whereas a lot of parents treat their teenagers as adversaries or wrecking balls (which is fair, too). Terry didn’t know a stranger, and really saw you for who you were and where you were at. He really didn’t judge. He was humble, and could make anybody laugh with some goofy-ass joke. Growing up, that household was a second home for me, and so much of that is because of Terry. I am so sorry, Nancy, Hayley, Grant, Adam— this is so devastating. Sending a huge hug, a Camel, and a Miller Highlife to each of you. Love you always near or far.