Benjamin Reed Harrison

HARRISON, Benjamin "Reed", age 79, of Henrico, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 19, 2019. He was the elder son of Benjamin Duncan Harrison and Itoline Reed Harrison, born in Detroit, Michigan. Reed's family traveled extensively during his early years. He spent a number of years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, attending University High School until his senior year when he transferred to Bridgeport, Connecticut and graduated from Greenwich High School. Reed attended Georgia Tech and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1963. From the University of Richmond, he earned a Master of Commerce degree in 1972. Reed married Edith Ellen Martin in 1973. He worked for Xerox Corporation, ITT Terryphone, and Pleasant's Hardware. He was an avid sports fan and boating enthusiast. Reed enjoyed singing and performed in off-Broadway productions when he was located in New York City. Reed also enjoyed piloting planes and accumulated many hours of flight time. He attained a Class A construction license and built his own home in Crown Grant in 1978. He was an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 715 at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church. Reed worked with new scouts and orchestrated yearly waterskiing weekends. He served his country for seven years in the Coast Guard Reserves. Reed was blessed with a spiritual relationship with Grace Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Robert Thomas Harrison; and beloved aunt, Grace Reed. Reed was friendly and jovial, but was also a man of quiet strength and extraordinary integrity. He was tirelessly devoted to his family and loved them more than anything. Reed is survived by his wife of 46 years, Edith Martin Harrison; sons, Benjamin Windsor Harrison and William Reed Harrison; nieces, Susannah Hugonin (Donny), Elizabeth Marunde (Mike), and Kathleen Bell; nephew, Scott Harrison (Rebecca); great-nieces Graham Grace Harrison, Matilda Bell, and Mavis and Mairen Marunde; great-nephews, Harrison Hugonin, Jack Bell, and Mason, Marshall, Marec, and Magnus Marunde; cousins Rachael Coder-Matthews, Lane Coder and George Ward; and a host of beloved friends. A graveside service will be held on Friday July 26, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. 23238. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Grace Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 4200 Dover Rd., Richmond, Va. 23221 or gbconline.org