John Elmer Harrison

(April 03, 1933 – April 13, 2025)

John Elmer Harrison passed away on April 13, 2025 at his home in Searcy, Arkansas at the age of 92. He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on April 3, 1933 to Stanley Mervin and Helen Mildred Harrison. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and was known for the many long-lasting and deep friendships he formed throughout his life. John was devoted to his family and friends and took great pride in the relationships he had with his loved ones.

After graduating high school in 1950, John joined the United States Air Force in 1951, was stationed in Northern Africa and later Headquarters Air Defense Command supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission. In 1954, he met in the Air Force and married his wife, Marguerite Shirley Fenimore Harrison in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John lived many places over the years settling several times in and around central Arkansas. John had a mind for business and enjoyed buying and selling cars and semi-trucks throughout his life and was well known by anyone in the business. Of his many business ventures, the most well-known included owning John Harrison Ford located in Toppenish, Washington and Harrison Truck and Trailer in Batesville, Arkansas.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marguerite "Shirley" Fenimore Harrison, and his sister, Eleanor Jean Trout and her husband Jim. He is survived by brother Stanley (Doris) Harrison, three children: Lonnie Harrison, Roni Harrison, and Donna (Brian) Morrison, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In the last phase of his life, he met Phyllis Mize, and for eleven years supported each other in good times and bad.

John will be at Waugh-Halley Wood Funeral Home located at 810 2nd Ave., Gallipolis, Ohio, 45631.

On May 8, 2025, there will be limited closed casket viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Final services at 11:00 am will be held at the family plot at Mound Hill Cemetery, Gallipolis, Ohio, which overlooks Gallipolis, West Virginia, and the Ohio River.

Thank everyone for your kind words and condolences during these difficult times. John will certainly be missed.

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com