Glenn Harben, 78, of Dawsonville, died May 30, 2010.

Glenn was a sweet man gifted with a gentle spirit and spent his life sharing these wonderful attributes with his loved ones.

He was born Jan. 15, 1932 in Dawson County to the late Sherman and Lula Harben, affectionately known as Laffy and Bobie.

He spent his childhood in Dawsonville, until the age of 16, knowing fully the country ways of life so enjoyed back then. Riding bikes on dirt roads, swimming in the Shoal hole, going fishing and trips to Amicalola Falls were his favorite pastimes.

He graduated from Dawson County High School and attended Truett McConnell College and the University of Georgia.

As a young adult, Glenn lived in Athens. Those years were filled with happiness; marriage to Inez, the birth of three children, close friends, the Georgia Bulldogs, coaching his church softball team and lots of hard work at this Arctic Girl restaurant on Broad Street.

In the late 60s, he moved his family to Atlanta, where he became a residential builder and developer. He served as president of the Gwinnett Homebuilders Association and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. He also served honorably in the Army Reserves, where he received a medal for riflery marksmanship.

Upon retirement, he moved back to Dawson County. Too busy to sit still, he worked as a building inspector and at Etowah Water and Sewer Authority.

He enjoyed fellowship and worship at Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, Dunwoody Baptist church and the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.

With a quiet strength, Glenn lived his Christian faith by example.

His sisters, Marvine Wrigley and Cecile Fouts; and a brother, Ford Harben, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Russ Wallace of Dawsonville, Patti and Jay Fox of Alpharetta; son, David Harbin of Atlanta; their mother, Inez Leach; sister, Elsie Quillian of Winder; grandchildren, Ashley and Anthony Keeton, Taylor Wallace, Nicholas Perzella and Colin Perzella; their father, Joe; various other relatives also survive.

Interment services were held at 11 a.m. June 2 at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 12: 30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. Dr. Jim Gaines officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested made to the Alzheimer's Association, 855 Abutment Road, Suite 6, Dalton, GA 30721, www.alz.org.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.