Melvin Robert Harrison

Melvin Robert Harrison, “Haas”, 83, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on August 25, 2015. Mel was born in Fairview, North Carolina on April 20, 1932. Mel graduated from Fairview High School, served his country in the United States Navy, ‘51-’55, achieving the rank of Seaman. Following an honorable discharge he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Accounting from Jacksonville University. Mel was an accounting manager in the chemical division of Union Camp Corporation until he retired in 1992. Mel’s career continued through May 2015 as a financial consultant for the Pace Family, Floridian Property Management and Wood Development. Mel was a member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church. He loved to bowl and leaves behind an extended family of bowler buddies that spans 50 years. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Gatlinburg, TN, working in his well-manicured lawn and spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also loved by the many that were recipients of his generosity and goodwill. Mel is preceded in death by a loving wife of 35 years, Sue M. Harrison, 7 brothers and sister; Sally Earwood, Geneva Gasperson, Mary Harper, Robey, Van, Herman and Herbert Harrison. Mel will be greatly missed by his surviving 2 sisters; Eugenia Brooks of Newport News, VA and Jane Hardin(Marvin) of Fairview, NC, his five children; Melissa H. Casey, Valerie H. Joyner (Wayne), Patricia L. Shepherd (Beverly), Kimberly K. Harrison(Scott) and Milton W. Shepherd (Beth), 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Monday, August 31st at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, September 1st at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with Reverend Charles of Fruit Cove Baptist officiating. Burial will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fruit Cove Baptist Church for the Children’s Bible Ministry, 310 S. Ridgecrest Way, St. John’s, FL 32259. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.