THE DAYTONA BEACH MORNING JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Saturday, November 19, 1983


FORMER FLAGLER COURT CLERK RALPH HARBERT

FLAGLER BEACH - Ralph Edgar Harbert, 72, 115 Lehigh Ave., a former longtime clerk of the circuit court in Flagler County died Thursday at Community Hospital of Bunnell after suffering a stroke earlier this week.

Mr. Harbert, born in Espanola, was a lifelong resident of Flagler County. He was raised in St. Johns Park (west of Bunnell) by his maternal grandparents, Nora and Riley Malphurs, who were pioneer settlers of Flagler County. He was graduated from Bunnell High School and attended the University of Florida.

Mr. Harbert was the first man in Flagler County to be drafted by the Army for service in World War II. Mr. Harbert was a member of the field artillery of the Americal Division founded on New Caledonia Island, Southwest Pacific. He served for a total of four years at Guadalcanal, the Fiji Islands and the Philippines, and received many decorations for his service.

In 1946, after returning from overseas, Mr. Harbert was appointed to the office of clerk of the circuit court of Flagler County. When the term expired, he was elected to the position, and served 14 years.

He moved to Flagler Beach from Bunnell in 1964, and was supervisor of the Flagler Beach waterworks until his retirement in 1980.

Survivors include his widow, Martha; a son, James E., Flagler Beach; a daughter, Jeanne Key, Benton, Tenn.; and a grandson.

Craig, Bunnell, is in charge.