Ralph Edward Harrison

Ralph Edward Harrison affectionately known as “Harry” to many, was born on February 9, 1939 in Miami, Florida to Fremont and Emma Grace Harrison. He attended schools in Miami and following graduation from Northwestern High School, Ralph enlisted in the United States Air Force. He later obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tampa through the Military Bootstrap Program.

In 1961 Ralph married Ingrid Nitz in Landstuhl Germany. From their union three wonderful children were born Roxanne Daniela, Michael Andreas, and Rodney Edward (deceased). In 1975, Ralph married Sandra Lynn Houston of St. Louis, Missouri, while stationed at Williams Air Force Base. From this union Karim Rahshad Harrison was born. Karim died in a motorcycle accident on Easter morning, March 27, 2016.

Ralph obtained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and retired from the Air Force as an Aircraft Propulsion Superintendent after 24 years of service on May 31, 1982. Assignments included Basic Training at Lackland AFB San Antonio, Texas; Tech School in El Paso, Texas; Germany; Hawaii; Japan; Thailand; Travis AFB California; Williams AFB Arizona; Upper Heyford England; and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. Ralph was awarded the following decorations; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Award; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Oversea Service Long Tour Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry cross; and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Following Military retirement, Ralph was a technical Publications Writer/Editor with Garrett Turbine Engine Company, Allied Signal, and later Honeywell. He retired from Honeywell in 2002. Ralph taught computer classes at the Phoenix Urban League which served to Bridge the Digital Divide for Seniors. Ralph was one of the charter members of the 100 Black Men of Arizona.

Ralph and his wife Sandra traveled extensively to places like Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Israel, Pacific Islands, France, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Korea, Panama Canal, and to many of our beloved states. He even joined the Eagles from Faith Christian Center on various excursions throughout Arizona. He loved reading, Jazz Music and photography. His camera collection is quite remarkable. A lot of you knew Ralph as a sports fanatic. He was a San Francisco 49er and Giants fan. He loved his Los Angeles Lakers as well.

Ralph accepted Christ at an early age and joined Tanner in 1985. He was active with the Church Expansion Committee, Scholarship Committee, Men of Tanner, Class Leaders Council, Tuesday Night Bible Study, Sanctuary Choir, Voices of Redemption, and most currently the Male Chorus. He was an active volunteer with Manna a Ministry of Hope where you could find him serving coffee or soup to the Homeless every other week. He also ensured they had toiletries such as shampoo, lotion, soap, tooth paste and tooth brushes. He even saved cans and used those funds to give to the homeless on the streets while driving. Ralph always thought of ways to bless others.

Ralph drew his last breath on the evening of December 1, 2017. Sandra and many of his loved ones were by his side.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory beloved wife Sandra of 41 years; daughter Roxanne (Anthony) of Fairfield, CA; Son Michael (Tammy) of Fairfield, CA; brothers Fremont of Patterson, NJ and Loyd Curtis of Miami, FL. He also leaves Mother-in-Law Elizabeth Houston, formerly of St. Louis, MO; big sister/cousin Doretha Nichson of Miami, FL; a host of sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, mentees and friends. Ralph was most proud of his eight grandchildren Brandon (Damaris), Brianna (Mario), Martel, Brenae, Mason (Ariana), Bryce, Brolin and Karim Kalil Rakim. Most beloved great grandsons are Maven and Madden.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Ralph Edward Harrison at Tanner Chapel African Methodist Church, 20 South 8th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 on Saturday, January 7, 2016 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tanner Chapel Scholarship Fund.