George Oliver Harrison

George was raised on a farm in Wheelock, Texas. He began his career as a musician at age 18, ready to leave the cows and chickens behind. He used his talent for rhythm and timing to learn the drums and for over seven decades, George played with and for some of the greats of country music, western swing and Big Bands. His first gig was with Steve Regman and the Silver Jackets and then he went on to play with Jimmy Heap and the Melody Masters. Since those early days, he had drummed with Dewey "Sonny" Olney, Red Foley, Ray Price, Jessie James, Hub Sutter, Willie Nelson, Bill Turner, Jimmy Grove, Jay Clark, Jay Leutwyler, Tom Norwood, Johnny Gimble, Doug Hullum, Roger Beck, Jody Meredith and the Round Up Boys, The King of Swing, Jerry and the Five Strings and many others throughout central Texas. George was a life member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonary. He served with the Valley of Austin, Orient of Texas and performed as a drummer in the Ben Hur Shrine Orchestra. One of his greatest memories was playing in the many jam sessions with friends. George was one of the early reasons that people came to hear music in Austin. He had been an Ambassador of Austin style country and western swing wherever he appeared. George was inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame on May 16, 2015.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Frances Harrison, and his foster brother, James C. Dowdy of Austin. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Sanders Harrison, of Austin and numerous friends and family. We would like to thank Austin Hospice and their volunteer caregivers for their unselfish and loving support during George's final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice Austin at HospiceAustin.org.