John Henry Harvison

1934 - 2025

John Henry Harvison

January 25, 1934 - June 18, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - John Henry Harvison Jr., a visionary entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, devotion, and kindness. He was 91 years old.

Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Women's Center of Tarrant County.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 25, 1934, John displayed his legendary work ethic from a young age, delivering newspapers morning and evening, 365 days a year. He attended Paschal High School and later earned a degree in Business Administration from North Texas University in 1956.

John began his career in the retail gasoline business in 1958, becoming one of the pioneers of self-service gasoline in Texas and throughout the Southwest. His vision helped revolutionize the industry, and by 1973, his efforts led to the acquisition of numerous convenience store operations. The business ultimately grew to over 800 outlets across eleven states and became a publicly traded company.

Beyond retail, John expanded into oil and gas exploration through Dynamic Production, Inc., and ventured into refining, oilfield supply, biofuels, banking, and public market investing. A bold and tireless entrepreneur, John thrived on new ideas and uncharted opportunities.

Despite his professional success, John's true passion lay in giving back. He was a deeply generous man, contributing to his community in countless ways. Among his proudest commitments was his support of the Women's Center of Tarrant County, where the Center's building bears the names of John and his wife Sue a lasting testament to their shared compassion and service.

John will be remembered not only as a successful and innovative businessman but as a devoted family man and friend. John's family was the most important thing in his life. At the center of his world was his beloved wife of 58 years, Sue Merrett Harvison. Their bond was extraordinary rooted in deep respect, admiration, and a shared joy for life. Together, they must have danced a million miles, were partners in life, in love, and in legacy.

John's impact on the world will be felt for generations in the industries he helped build, the causes he supported, and the family he so deeply loved.

John is survived by his loving family: his wife, Sue Harvison; his children, Johnny Harvison and wife Joy, Randy Harvison and wife Pam, Kay Allen and husband Rick, Mike Harvison, Stacie Woodcock and husband Doug, Hope Anthony and husband Andrew, Hollie Harvison; and his sister, Rosalynn Autry. He was also the proud grandfather of nineteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Harvison Sr. and Rachael Rosamond Cayce; his sister, Barbara Smith and her husband T.L. Smith; and his son, Bryan Harvison.