MONTGOMERY — The AHSAA was saddened to learn that Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame member Coach Travis “Ned” Harbuck, 83, of Jackson passed away July 3. The legendary boys’ basketball coach and administrator spent his entire career in education at Jackson High School.

“We are indeed saddened to learn of Coach Ned Harbuck’s death,” said AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. “His positive impact as a teacher, coach and administrator will continue to have a lasting effect. He was a legendary coach and strong leader who helped mold Jackson High School into the outstanding school it is today.”

A 1958 graduate of Enterprise High School, Harbuck attended Holmes Junior College in Goodman (MS) and the University of Alabama on a basketball scholarship. He earned a degree in education in 1962.

His first and only job after college was at Jackson High School where he coached boys’ basketball for 23 years and compiled a 498-153 career record. He guided several Aggie teams to the state tournament where the 1979 team reached the finals. His last team finished 26-3 and reached the Class 5A state semifinals. His teams averaged 22 wins per season and at one stretch won 26 consecutive games.

He also served as the head track coach for 20 years and the junior high football coach for seven years. He served as Jackson's athletic director from 1976-1985.

As a high school player, Harbuck led Enterprise to a third-place finish in the 1958 state tournament, averaging 21.3 points in four games. When an injury cut short his playing career at the University of Alabama, he became the freshman team coach for Crimson Tide Coach Hayden Riley.

In 2012, he was inducted into the 22nd class of the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. His longtime assistant coach and friend Matthew Jones, who passed away in 2020, was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2023.

At the time of Coach Harbuck’s passing, construction was underway for the Ned Harbuck Gymnasium at Jackson Middle School — a new gymnasium being built behind the Aggies’ famed "Cracker Box" — the original gymnasium of Jackson High School where Coach Harbuck first taught.

His son Kenneth is currently the principal at Jackson High School. Services will be Friday, July 7, at Lathan Funeral Home in Jackson. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be his former students, teachers, players, and cheerleaders.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meghan Harbuck Overstreet Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O René Sheffield, 28280 Beau Chene Court, Daphne, AL 36526, or Jackson High School Basketball Program, 324 Stanley Ave, Jackson, AL 36545.