Funeral Services for Mr. Dennis Dean Harberson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and teacher, age 75 of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Cook Baptist Church with Rev. Joseph Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Dennis was born June 5, 1950 in Nashville, AR to Grace and Floy Harberson and passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Little Rock, AR, surrounded by his loving family. He devoted his life to faith, family, and the pursuit of knowledge. A native of Arkansas, Dennis earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arkansas and later received his Masters of Arts from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). His passion for education shaped the lives of countless students throughout his career as a math teacher, both at the high school level in Arkansas and Louisiana and later as a mathematics instructor at ULM.
Dennis was a man of faith, having trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He also displayed an unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to his wife of 49 years, Nancy Conn Harberson, and a proud father to Lindsey Harberson Billberry. His greatest joy came from spending time with his four grandchildren-Tucker, Talan, Tinsley, and Tatum- who affectionately knew him as “Pa.” Dennis enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved playing golf, solving sudoku puzzles, and cherishing quiet moments with family and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Floy Harberson; and his sister, Cathy Harberson Chastain. He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; daughter, Lindsey and husband Heath Billberry; grandchildren, Tucker, Talan, Tinsley, and Tatum; nephews, Chris and Kyle Chastain; brother-in-law, Kenneth Chastain; and sister-in-law’s, Eileen and husband Danny Modisette, Sandra and husband Duane Hale, and Debbie and husband Roy Parker. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.
Pallbearers will be Tucker Billberry, Talan Billberry, Chris Chastain, Kyle Chastain, David Conn, Shane Hale, and Wesley Hale.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Greg Smart, Dr. Derrick Middleton of CARTI in El Dorado, Arkansas, Dr. Ankur Varma, and the Medical/Neuro Intensive Care Unit at UAMS for their exceptional care and compassion.
Dennis’ life was a testament to faith, love, and service. His influence will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved, guided, and taught.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Wednesday at Cook Baptist Church.
