Harry Tibbals was a founding director of the Wylie ISD Education Foundation and served as treasurer until his death. In 2003, he and his wife Retha established the foundation's first endowment fund in honor of their family.

Harry Tibbals lived a life worthy of respect, honor, and dignity. He touched many lives and made them better. Because of his tireless and generous efforts in turning the dream of a Wylie ISD Education Foundation into a reality, the foundation is proud to name The Tree of Honor and Knowledge for its wise and dear friend, Harry F. Tibbals, Jr.