Randy Harrison Obituary

HARRISON
Randy George Harrison, 64, and his wife Lorraine Louise Harrison, 62, died while on vacation visiting family in Ohio. On October 15, 2012 the Harrison's were struck head-on by a tractor-trailer truck and died as a direct result of massive injuries sustained in the accident. Lorraine passed away in the early morning hours on October 16th. They were reunited in heaven when Randy later died the evening of October 22nd.
Randy and Lorraine were married on March 20, 1999 and shared a beautiful life in San Antonio, Texas. They were both educators who spent their careers serving their community and helping young people and those with disabilities. After their retirement, they served as volunteer case workers for Child Advocates of San Antonio, where their mission was to be the voice of children in need. The executive management at CASA told us "they were true, passionate and fervor advocates for the children they served, making a difference in helping the children find their forever adoptive homes". Their love of nature led them to recently complete their studies at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County, attaining their Master Gardener designations. Their lives were full, active and filled with joy and love for one another, family and friends.
Lorraine was born in Austin, Texas in 1950, adopted by Ralph and Anna Matthiesen and was raised and resided in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with High Honors and also earned a M.A. in Educational Psychology and Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, she was a Licensed Psychological Associate and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to her retirement in 2010, Lorraine spent 17 years at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she held the position of Director of Disability Services for the last 15 years of her career. Prior to that, she spent eleven years as a teacher and Associate School Psychologist in the public school system, and five years in a private practice specializing in neuropsychological evaluation and rehabilitation of patients.
Randy was born in Altus, Oklahoma in 1948 to Royer Dumont and Lorraine Harrison. He was raised in Odessa, Texas and resided in San Antonio for the past 20 plus years. He received a B.A in English, with minors in Physical Education/Spanish from West Texas A & M University at Canyon, Texas, and his TEA Certification, Bilingual/ESL from the University of Houston - Victoria. He later earned a M.A. in Bicultural-Bilingual Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Randy also retired in 2010, and was an Educator for the past twenty years. He taught Language Arts, Reading and Spanish at the Edgewood Independent School District, the Northside Independent School District and the Victoria Independent School District. Randy was also the Principal of the Redeemer Lutheran School in San Antonio for 2 years. Earlier, Randy spent 15 years with Wolfe Nursery where he was a highly recognized manager of stores in San Antonio, and was a Gardening Columnist for the Victoria Advocate and a past President of the San Antonio Nurserymen's Association.
Although retired, they continued to utilize their expertise and education - Lorraine worked part- time for Pearson conducting educational testing and assessments and Randy taught ESL for the Mexican American Catholic College. In addition, Randy was very involved with his church, Redeemer Lutheran, where he served on their Executive Board as President of the Church.
The couple was preceded in death by their parents. Randy is survived by his daughter, Mona Maust and husband Captain Jon Maust of Dayton, Ohio. Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Donham Lott and two beloved grandchildren, Daemyan and Jacquelyn of Kyle, Texas; and her sister, Debbie Colton and husband Jim Colton of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas.
Service Info: A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 17, at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2507 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78201. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Child Advocates of San Antonio or Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Nov. 11, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Mr. Harrison was a wonderful friend and colleague. He was very dedicated to our students at Truman. We will miss you. My condolences to the families.

Cynthia Saenz

November 17, 2012

Mr. Harrison will be missed. I learned a lot from him. He was a great man, educator, and friend.

Stacy Pattenaude

November 15, 2012

It was an honor working with Mr. Harrison at Truman Middle School. We were both in the same grade level team for many years. He was a kind and compassionate teacher who was devoted to all his students and cared deeply about his co-workers. May God bless both families in this time of sorrow and give you strength.

Flor San Miguel

November 15, 2012

On behalf of Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), sincere condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Harrison's were amazing CASA Volunteers and will truly be missed by the entire community. They touched lives of children that will forever remember the lifelong impacts they made on the them and with finding the children a forever home. Their memories will live on forever.

Yolanda Valenzuela

November 15, 2012

My sincere sympathy goes out to both families. My son had Mr. Harrison as a teacher at Truman MS. Mr. Harrison was always willing to help any student in any way. Everytime I would see him he would always ask for my son. He also always was giving my son advice in sports and in life. You truly were a great person and educator Mr. Harrison. Thank you for all the students you helped along the way.

Sara Cerna

November 15, 2012

Mr. Harrison was a great teacher, friend, mentor, overall a great man! He cared so much about his students and the athletes at Truman Middle school. He volunteered his time to help our track team. He was always there to listen and give advice. He was a beautiful man! He will be missed!
My condolences to both families.
Denise Cordero

November 14, 2012

My sincere condolences. I worked with Lorraine for several years at UTSA. She was an amazing professional and a true advocate for students. May your family find comfort in their memories of you and may you both rest in peace.

Lisa Johns

November 14, 2012

My sincere sympathy to the family and frieds of Randy and Lorraine Harrison

Sandy Justice, BCMG

November 13, 2012

Please accept our sincerely sympathy. Amongst us we worked many years with Lorraine here at UTSA Student Disability Services. She was a guiding light and we appreciated her so. We know that she was looking forward to spending time with Randy and it sounds as though they were very busy in retirement. We will miss them both. Please know that all the family will be in our special thoughts during this time and beyond. Beverly Brown

November 12, 2012

My condolences to their families.
My wife and I met when we worked for Randy when he was the manager of Wolfe Nursery on Broadway back in '85.


John and Laurie Castaneda

November 11, 2012

On behalf of my husband, Gary Schirmer, I wish to express our deepest sympathy on Randy and Lorraine's untimely passing. Gary knew Randy through the San Antonio Nursery Association. Gary is suffering with a rare condition known as Multiple System Atrophy. He will be joining Randy and Lorraine in Heaven in the not too distant future. He will be happy to see them there.

Gary and Mary Ann Shirmer

November 11, 2012

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