Robert (Bobby) Gaylord Harrison III

Raleigh, North Carolina – Robert Gaylord Harrison, III, 93, passed away peacefully at his home on March 15, 2024. Bobby was born on December 17, 1930, to the late Robert “Gaylord” Gaylord Harrison, Jr. and Nannie Murrill Harrison in Williamston, NC. From an early age, Bobby loved people and never met a stranger. Growing up in a small town brought many adventures and close lifelong friendships. After graduating from Williamston High School, he enrolled in Wake Forest College for one semester before deciding to join the Navy. He served four years on the USS Skagit during the Korean War visiting ports in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and along the west coast.

After service, Bobby enrolled in East Carolina College, Greenville, receiving a degree in Sociology. Just before graduation, Bobby met the love of his life, Ruby Cowand Harrison, at a double date with his college roommate. They married on July 24, 1959.

Following college, Bobby found his calling as a counselor for Vocational Rehabilitation, a very small State agency at the time. He was later offered the position of District Supervisor in Durham followed by a promotion to Program Development Specialist in Raleigh. Over the next two decades his roles evolved as he helped guide the agency’s growth, serving as Assistant Director for Program Development followed by State Facility Specialist.

Following his retirement in the early 1980s, Bobby received his real estate brokers license and enjoyed meeting and helping clients for many years through Hodge and Kittrell. During those years he enjoyed teaming with friends to buy and renovate properties, doing much of the work himself. Several properties he kept and rented over the years, often to those who needed extra help finding a home. Bobby always seemed to go the extra mile to help when he saw a need. Following his years in real estate, Bobby enjoyed volunteering and bringing sunshine to the patients at Wake Rehab, joining Ruby for Meals on Wheels deliveries, and helping his neighbors as needs arose. He was an active member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church for many years.

Bobby loved music and for 25 years, beginning in the mid-60s, he sang lead in the Sir Walter Chorus attending several Barbershop Chorus competitions and even winning the Dixie District Chorus Championship in 1974. He loved the outdoors and had varying hobbies over the years; fishing, gardening, raising rabbits, camping, and hosting oyster roasts with his family and friends. He and Ruby also enjoyed traveling with friends and were fortunate to visit every location on their wish list.

Bobby was a special man who genuinely loved people. He shared this love unconditionally with his family, always there to lend a hand when needed. Every day was a new gift to be embraced and enjoyed, and he brought that sunshine to those around him.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Ruby Cowand Harrison of Raleigh, NC; his devoted children, Robert “Robb” G. Harrison, IV (Kent) of Durham, NC, and Dana Warren (Marshall) of Spiveys Corner, NC; and two beloved grandchildren, Lindsey Warren and her fiancé Kevin Bower of Cary, NC, and Cole Warren of Raleigh, NC. Bobby is also survived by his very loved “Baby Sister”, Nanette Harrison Page of Raleigh, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

No formal service is planned at this time. The family will welcome close friends and extended family at a future date and time to be announced.

The family would like to thank the team at Transitions LifeCare and our many wonderful caregivers, Sallie, John, and Judy with Arise and Shine Care, and Tracy, Finda, and Brenda for the love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, or Transitions LifeCare.

Service arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.