Robert Charles "Rc" Harbourne

Robert Charles Harbourne, affectionately known as R.C., peacefully departed this life on March 19, 2024, embraced by the loving arms of his devoted wife of nearly fifty years.

Born on February 22, 1930, in Bay City, Michigan, to Carlton James and Edna Hazel Harbourne, R.C. spent his formative years in the greater Detroit area after his family relocated in 1935 during the days of the Great Depression. As the youngest of two siblings, he shared a cherished bond with his sister, Carol Jane Matrille, who passed away last year at the age of ninety-seven.

R.C.'s educational journey led him to Clarenceville High School, where he graduated with honors in 1947, before pursuing higher education at the University of Michigan on a United States Navy scholarship. Following his honorable service in the Navy until 1950, R.C. embarked on a distinguished career in the construction industry. In 1960, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding the Barton Harbourne Company in Detroit, Michigan, which flourished before transitioning to the Pyramid Construction Company. R.C. assumed the presidency of Pyramid in 1980, catalyzing its expansion to Savannah, Georgia, in 1982, where he discerned boundless opportunities for growth.

Deeply enamored with Savannah and its potential, R.C. relocated his family to the area where Peaches Harbourne established Harbor Construction Company, Inc. Bolstered by Peaches' managerial acumen and R.C.'s expertise in estimating, Harbor Construction emerged as a preeminent contractor in the Savannah region, undertaking significant projects for various governmental entities, including the US military.

In 2005 after years of success, R.C. and Peaches retired to savor life's adventures, traveling the world, building homes, and crafting cherished memories in Savannah, Georgia; Durango, Colorado; and Scottsdale, Arizona. Returning to Savannah permanently in 2018, they relished their "Golden Years" together.

An avid golfer, skilled game hunter, and passionate angler, R.C. enjoyed nature's splendor, embodying a Christian ethos of kindness and compassion. Renowned for his infectious humor (as well as countless limericks) and penchant for storytelling, R.C. endeared himself to all who crossed his path, leaving an indelible mark on the people he touched. His love of trivia led him to become a certified member of Mensa. He was also a member and Director of the Society of Military Engineers who found camaraderie among friends at esteemed establishments like the Club at Savannah Harbor, the First City Club, the Plimsoll Club, and the historic "17 Hundred 90" for many years.

R.C. is survived by his beloved wife, Emma "Peaches" Harbourne; his children, Thomas Harbourne, Debra Hendricks, and Bonnie Rosenstein; his cherished children-in-law, Katrina Trimm, Alona Watters-Tounsel, and Jewell Rutledge; his adored grandchildren, Andrew Harbourne Rosenstein, Alexa Rosenstein, Dustin Hendricks, Deirdre Hendricks, Gyona Peaches Crawford, Gatini Tinsley, and Tevin Rutledge; his precious great-grandchild, Forrest Hendricks; and a multitude of friends from the Cottages at Autumn Lake.

In honoring R.C.'s memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived, marked by unwavering love, boundless generosity, and enduring camaraderie. May his legacy of kindness and laughter continue to illuminate our hearts for generations to come.

A celebration of RC's life will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning, March 30, 2024 at Gamble Funeral Service-410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, A service will follow at 12 o'clock in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers. please consider a donation in RC's memory to Hospice of Savannah, Inc. 1352 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406.

R.C's Celebration of life will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@gamblefuneral