David Harrison

After a sudden and brief illness, David Earl Harrison passed away peacefully at Anne Arundel Medical Center on March 17, 2023. He was born at home in Magnolia Springs, Alabama on November 14, 1946, to parents James and Nell (Keith) Harrison. Age 15, Dave moved from Florida to Maryland, following his brother Jimmy stationed at Patuxent Naval Base. Dave landed a summer job at Cape St. Mary's Marina pumping gas and painting boat bottoms his junior year of high school. There he met Colonel Fitzgerald and his wife Catherine, who 'adopted' Dave into the Fitzgerald family. He was deeply grateful for the love and support of the entire Fitzgerald family. Thanks to Ed Fitzgerald and his wife Donna, Dave graduated from Chopticon High School. He went on to enroll in Prince George's Community College. Dave then joined the US Army Reserves, attended OCS, and progressed to the rank of Captain. He became an Army Airborne Ranger, jumping out of planes, despite of his fear of heights. In 1971, Dave married Verna (Gould) Harrison, his wife of 24 years. They shared daughter, Katherine Harrison, his "Katie Love". Dave had a business career which left an indelible mark on the marine industry in the Chesapeake area. In his early days, he ran Houseboat Rentals and then established Marine Engine Sales and Service. With life-long friend Buddy Rogers, it grew into the Chesapeake's largest marine service business. His efforts in travelift sales led to his becoming the US East Coast Representative of Marine Travelift. In 1983, Dave opened Harrison Yacht Sales, which would ultimately the largest Carver dealership in the world during his tenure. He added Sea Ray and other boat lines, building a successful marina in Kent Narrows. For years Dave had a large presence in the Annapolis Power Boat Show – so much so that the "Ego Alley" dock slips used during the show were known as "Harrison's Hole". After his tremendous achievements in yacht sales, Dave worked tirelessly alongside Kurt, Nancy, and Melody. Together they ran one of the busiest and most successful boat yards in the area up until his retirement. In 2002, he married the love of his life, Tracy (MacDonald) Harrison, with whom he traveled all over North America, on boats, planes, motorcycles, and motorhomes. They shared the love of their cocker spaniels over the years. To say Dave lived a very full life is an understatement. Like Sinatra sang it, he did it his way. He was a self-made man and achieved the American Dream through his tenacity and drive. He enjoyed the pursuit of the next deal – from the largest to the smallest – he always could find a deal to be made somewhere. He had a competitiveness second to none. His nickname was 'Hurricane' – he approached life and business and its challenges with gale force and was a fierce problem solver. He made the impossible possible, and he encouraged everyone around him to strive for the best. He helped mentor many people in his life and career. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor, but a pretty terrible repertoire of jokes. He loved to make people laugh. When he wasn't reaching for the stars or putting in the miles, he enjoyed a quiet life in his home on the Wye River with his wife and dogs. His passions were boating, motorcycling, RV'ing, fishing, golf, good food and drink, and keeping up on current events. Dave is survived by his wife Tracy, daughter Katie, beloved dogs Beau and Fitz, former wife Verna (Bob), Fitzgerald brothers Ed (Donna) and Jim (Sue) and their children and grandchildren, sister Ann (Ron), nephew David, and half-brother Dempsey (Anita). Stories and memories of Dave are countless. We would love for his family and friends to join us for a celebration of his life at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, 500 Marina Club Road, Stevensville MD 21666, in the Bayside Tavern Room, on Thursday, March 23, from 4-7pm. The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude for the exceptional care Dave received in the U of MD Shore Medical ER and most especially in the ICU at AAMC. His nurses and entire medical team were amazing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org) or to St. Jude or Shriner's Children Hospitals, which Dave and Tracy have supported for many years.