Earl Wendell Harrison passed away on April 25, 2018 in Athens, Texas. He was born on October 21, 1929 to Homer and Quinta Harrison in Murchison, Texas. He graduated from Brownsboro High School, then enlisted in the Marines to serve his country. He also attended Drone’s Business College in Amarillo, Tx. In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Bettye Tidwell, and they began their 69 years of marriage. He greatly loved the outdoors and working outside. This led him to West Texas to work in the oil fields. He then became a pipe liner, a career that would span the United States and overseas for over 49 years. During this time, Earl and Bettye settled in Hugoton, KS, where they lived for 23 years and raised their three children. Through his work and travels, many lifelong friends were made that they kept in touch with. After raising their family, Earl and Bettye moved back to East Texas. In his spare time between jobs and after retirement, Earl loved raising horses. He was a member of Brownsboro Masonic Lodge 32nd Shriner. Earl enjoyed his retirement with Bettye by his side.
Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Bettye Tidwell Harrison; his son, Wayne Harrison and wife Jo Lynn of Hugoton, KS; his daughter, Lorrie Mills of Athens, TX; his daughter-in-law, Paula Harrison, of Deltona, FL; his sister, June Bishop of San Antonio, TX; his grandchildren, Dustin Harrison and wife Kathy, Melissa Shelton and husband Justin, Anson Harrison and Pat Barrett, Nathan Harrison and wife Liz and Mollee Mills; 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Madolyn Savage and Pat “Pansy Ruth” Turner; his son, Thurl Wendell Harrison; his grandson, Aaron Matthew Harrison.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens.
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