Edward E Harrison

July 19, 1919 – July 7, 2021

LINCOLN - Funeral Service for Edward E. Harrison, age 101, will be held Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Dry Valley Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kilgroe Funeral Home.

Mr. Harrison passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma Jean Bryant Harrison; 5 brothers, Lonnie Harrison, Guy Harrison, Emmett Harrison, Earnest Harrison, Louis Harrison; 2 sisters, Carrie Payne, Bertie Ratliff.

He is survived by 2 sons, Steve (Genia) Harrison, Phillip (Anne) Harrison; daughter, Ava Harrison (Hal) Rozelle; 7 grandchildren, Dr. Rebecca Rozelle-Stone (Dr. Lucian Stone), Dr. Jessica Rozelle Loch (Dr. Stuart Loch), Ashley Harrison Eldredge (Matt), Zachary Harrison (Dr. Meghan Webb Harrison), Ryan Rozelle, Patrick Harrison, Daniel Harrison; 4 great-grandchildren Norah Jean Loch, Samuel Harrison Loch Auburn Everleigh Harrison, Rosemary June Harrison; numerous nieces & nephews.

Edward Harrison was shaped in part by two events early in his life: a severe illness that the family was told, would not allow him to reach his sixth birthday, and the death of his mother just after he turned five years old. There was not much time to baby him because his father had to support eight children, ranging in age from three to eighteen. Growing up, he learned to work hard, yet found time to play ball with his siblings. Most years he was unable to attend school the entire year, due to the need to get cotton picked in the early fall. His father, in spite of their poverty, found a way to pay a yearly subscription to the Birmingham Post, and so he grew up understanding the importance of knowing about world events. During WWII, he served on the Island of Saipan, expecting to be part of the invasion of Japan.

After returning to the states, he married Alma Jean Bryant and remained in love with her for the rest of his life. They were married almost 65 years when she died in her sleep, May 8, 2013. Though his grief was profound, he continued doing what he always had – gardening and church work. After a couple of years, he made the difficult decision to sell his home and move into the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Edward Harrison embraced life enthusiastically. He was never a bystander, but always involved, serving as PTA President, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, RA leader, and NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) officer.

He wrote letters to elected officials and “letters to the editor” of local papers when there were issues of concern.

He played softball into his eighties, and was known for playing touch football and basketball with neighborhood boys.

He took pride in having the first and best tomatoes around, and believed in eating tomatoes and beets everyday, saying it was what gave him his “good looks.” He did have sparkling blue eyes and a head full of hair all his life.

Edward was known for saying “bless you” to everyone, but it was not a trite phrase, he meant it as a blessing. Little did he know that he was the “blessing”.

Edward loved God and served at Dry Valley Baptist Church for over sixty years. He loved his wife with his whole heart, and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren beyond measure. He loved his extended family especially his nieces and nephews like they were his children as well, calling himself “your favorite uncle”. He loved and served his country, his community, God’s creation, and his animals.

All who knew him would say that he left the world a better place and left us better for having known him.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.kilgroefh.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home – Pell City directed the service