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George Hodges Harrison died Sunday, Dec. 8, just a month shy of his 91st birthday. George was born in Palmetto, Fla., to Mary Susan Hodges Harrison and Williams Thomas Harrison, a circuit court judge. He followed in his father's legal footsteps, serving as an attorney in Manatee County for nearly 63 years. A graduate of Palmetto High School, George studied at the University of Florida. His college days were interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. After his service, in 1946, he was accepted to Northwestern University School of Dentistry but instead returned to Palmetto, where he farmed for a year. He then returned to the University of Florida, College of Law, where he was a member of Phi Delta Phi and research editor of the UF Law Review, graduating with an L.L.B. in 1951. George started his legal career in Manatee County in 1952. He served as County Attorney from 1955 to 1961 and as president of the Manatee County Bar Association from 1963 to 1964. He was a founding director of the Palmetto Federal Savings and Loan Association, chairman of the board of Westside National Bank, a fellow of The American College of Mortgage Attorneys and a board member of the Manatee National Bank. He was honored in the Manatee County Legends of the Bar in 2004 and 2013. He was active in local civic groups, including the Kiwanis Club; and he served as president of the Palmetto club. He co-owned, with his brother, a cattle ranch in Parrish from the 1950s until it was sold in 2001. It has since been developed into the Harrison Ranch subdivision. George married Rachel Chesnut in 1952. They honeymooned in North Carolina, and subsequently bought a home in Maggie Valley, N.C., where he vacationed for nearly 60 summers with his children, grandchildren and "favorite" dogs. He enjoyed golfing, mullet fishing and hunting, but most of all, being with his family. An active member of his church, George taught Sunday school for many years. George was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Anna. Survivors include: his wife, Rachel; brother, William T. Harrison, Jr.; son Joseph and his wife, Kimberly; son, Thomas and his wife, Jennifer; daughter Martha Ann; and six grandchildren, Hampton, Natalie (Mac), Hunter, Will, Hailey and Connor. Visitation will be held at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Ave W. in Bradenton, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday , Dec. 12, 2013. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Dec 13, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Palmetto. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Palmetto, Missions, 1020 Fourth Street West, Palmetto, 34221, or Young Life of Manatee County, P.O. Box 14876, Bradenton, Fla. 34280. www.GriffithCline.com
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George Harrison was a kind, attentive person whose legal work was excellent and whose friendship I greatly needed at one time in my life. I'm grateful to him. Margaret Stanford Anderson
January 8, 2014
a true man who was honest and loving. Your kindness will be missed. This world needs great men like you. I thank you George for the time you spent with Joe and Tom.
Bob Silverman
December 21, 2013
Joe, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a good man and a wonderful example to the Bradenton community. Our prayers are with you.
STEVE & SHARON BATTLES
December 18, 2013
Our community has also suffered a loss of a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend.
May the Lord bless each one of the family with His multipied Grace and Peace, with much love,
Ralph Nicosia & Family
December 17, 2013
Martha Ann, so very sorry about your dad.
Gayle Powell
December 16, 2013
I just heard the news about George. I'm thankful to have had the chance to visit with him last week. Melinda and I offer our prayers and understanding to Rachel and the family.
Bruce & Melinda Dix
December 14, 2013
I remember George and family, living next door to me, for many years. Wonderful to see that you lived a long, prosperous, & happy life. Rest in peace. John Brush
john brush
December 14, 2013
We salute an honorable man and send our love to the Harrison family
Milt and Brenda May
December 13, 2013
Mr. Harrison was a true southern gentleman.. I so enjoyed working for him. God's grace to his family.. Our loss, heaven's gain.. Sheila Frazier
Sheila Frazier
December 12, 2013
My father,Mack G Britt, was very fond of Mr George. Bet he and Dozier B are having a good time catching up The Britt family have you in our prayers. Heaven added another star to shine and light our path.
Maxene Williams
December 12, 2013
Dear Bill, I am so sorry to learn of your brothers passing. Clearly he was a great man, father and community citizen. My deepest sympathies. Warmly, Alex Quarles
December 12, 2013
As far as my parents (George and JoAnn Grace) were concern there was not a better attorney or friend. The Harrison family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Grace-Thompson
December 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the memories fill the void that is present
Dave Carr,Cox Chevrolet.
December 11, 2013
Deepest sympathies to the Harrison family. Mr. Harrison was a good friend and attorney to my Dad.
Darla Duncan Tschida
December 11, 2013
It was a joy having George for an attorney because you knew he was always honest. Manatee County has lost a jewel.
Mary Kirk
December 11, 2013
Joe, Bill and Family - I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. Kelly Overstreet Johnson
December 11, 2013
Kent and I were so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and condolence to the family. He will be missed by many. Kent & Kathie Geartz.
December 11, 2013
My love and prayers to all of the family. He will be missed by all.
Patsy Harrison Carleton
December 10, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the Harrison Family. May your comfort in God help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
G. Michael and Angela Garrott
December 10, 2013
Sadden by the loss for the Harrison family.
Joe and Virginia Garrott
December 10, 2013
Bradenton has lost a fine man. He was a good lawyer, advisor and friend and our condolences go to his family.
Ralph & Gayle Hackbarth
December 10, 2013
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Harrison. Ronnie will surely miss seeing and talking with his friend. Our thoughts are with all the family!
Ronnie and Kay Dixon
December 10, 2013
We are so very sorry for the Harrison family loss. George was a wonderful friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Wardine & Frank Dodson
December 10, 2013
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