Mr. Thomas Luther Harrison, Sr.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Thomas Luther Harrison, Sr.

Sunrise ~ October 15, 1927  *  Sunset ~ September 24, 2020

Thomas Luther Harrison, Sr. was the son of the late Nick and Hester (Robertson) Harrison.  Thomas, (also affectionately known as Tom, Luke and Doc) was born October 15, 1927 and went to eternal life on September 24, 2020.

Thomas grew up in Winnsboro, South Carolina.  He later moved to Connecticut and worked at the Hartford Steel Ball Company.  He enlisted in the military during the Korean War.  Lance Cpl. Thomas Harrison was a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.  His final station was at the U.S. Prison Facility in Kittery, Maine.

In 1953, Thomas married Gloria Tripp in Augusta, Maine.  They moved to Connecticut in 1954 where he returned to his job at Hartford Steel Ball Co. while going to school for barbering and hairdressing.  In 1958, they moved to Bloomfield, Connecticut where they would raise their family.  Thomas would eventually own two barber shops located in Hartford, Connecticut

While living and working in Connecticut, Thomas was often seen proudly sporting his black beret, sometimes standing in front of his barbershop talking with his friends, customers or someone he just met on the street.

Thomas returned home to South Carolina where he became the owner and operator of Harrison’s Rest Stop on Highway 21 in Winnsboro.  There, he would continue to be a mainstay in the community where family, church members, locals and travelers would stop by for years to gather, hang out and “shoot the breeze”.  He could be seen there until he was no longer able due to his poor health.

Thomas had many friends and acquaintances through his associations, church and work.  He always looked forward to the Harrison Family Reunions and having family together.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports and was an avid photographer.  He took numerous pictures which he proudly displayed in his barbershops, Rest Stop and home.

To his children and family who knew him intimately, he was a quiet man with a strong presence.  We looked up to him and we loved him dearly.  His stature, smile, good looks, and that signature beret will be fondly missed!

Memberships

He was a Member of White Oak Baptist Church #1

He was one of the founders of the VFW Post 9992 in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Past Master at the Flint Hill Masonic Lodge #236 where he also served as Treasurer up until his death.  In September 2015, he was given a 50 Year Member Award.

Those left to cherish his memories are his seven children, Laura Harrison Fodor (Wayne), Manchester, CT, Mickee Harrison Todd, Lexington, NC, Thomas Harrison, Jr., Winnsboro, SC, Jeffrey Harrison, Winnsboro, SC, Vincent Harrison, Fontana, CA, Cordiro Harrison, (Andrena), Columbia, SC and Thoshun Harrison, Winnsboro, SC.  Four brothers, Richard Harrison, Ulysses (Lisa) Harrison of Winnsboro, SC, Bobby (Anna) Harrison, Waterbury, CT and David Harrison, West Columbia, SC; three sisters, Johnnie Mae Jackson, Manchester, CT and Minnie L. (Henry) Martin, Winnsboro, SC and Betty Jean (James) Able, Ridgeway, SC; his former wife Gloria Harrison, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren,  one (1) great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by five brothers, Chambers Harrison, Frank Harrison, Willie Harrison, James Robertson and Nick Harrison, Jr., and one sister, Melvina Cotten.

“Our loved one will always be part of us.

What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”

Helen Keller, author and political activist

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thank you everyone for the many expressions of kindness, support and love you have shown to us during this period of bereavement. It has been a comforting blessing to each of us.  Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

~ The Family

Graveside service for Mr. Thomas Luther Harrison Sr. of 148 Kodiak Dr. Winnsboro SC 29180 will be 12 noon (11:00 am viewing) Saturday October 3, 2020 @ White Oak Baptist Church # 1, 520 White Oak Church Rd. Winnsboro SC 29180. No visitation or viewing Friday October 2, 2020.

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