Harrison Foley

August 2, 1921 August 28, 2008 Harrison Foley was born on August 2, 1921, in Vining, Kansas. He was the seventh child born to James and Pearl Foley. When Pearl was six months pregnant her husband died. On the day of Harrison's birth the family farm was being auctioned off and people were walking throughout the house. Harrison's sister, Julia was seven years old and remembers two women standing outside of her mother's room talking. She remembers them saying, "That poor baby does not stand a chance". Harry was raised by his grandparents while his mother had to move away and get a job. His grade school years were spent in Clifton, Kansas. He moved to Limon Colorado when he was 15 years old to be with his mother and brother, James. Under the mentorship of Lloyd Gaskill, Harry enjoyed sports and in his senior year (1939) was a member of a state championship football team. Harry's dream was always to get to California. In 1941, his dream came true and he landed a job at Lockheed defense plant. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. Harry proudly served his country as an air crew member on a B-17 assigned to the 452nd BG (H). He flew 31 combat missions in the European theater that included one shuttle mission to Poltava, Russia in 1944. Harry honorably discharged in 1945, and returned to civilian life in Los Angeles. He attended college and married Nadine Paulson Foley in 1946. He completed his teaching degree and began teaching and coaching in Nebraska. Nadine shared his dream to return to California and in 1954, their dream came true. They had two children, Pam and Jim, at the time and chose Reedley as the town to raise their family. In 1955, their third child, Dennis, was born and their family was complete. In 1957, Harry's varsity basketball team brought him coaching success by winning the valley high school championship. At that time this accomplishment had only been attained one time previously. One thing his team remembered was a slogan he used after every game to inspire his players individually and to keep them focused as a team. "It's not what you did! It's what you should have done, could have done but didn't do!" In 1962, Harry transferred to Reedley College where he taught business administration for 22 years. He mentored and helped many students begin successful careers. Harry never knew a stranger and was always running into previous students who shared their stories of success along with Harry's positive influence upon their lives. He and his family were active members of Christ Lutheran church in Reedley for many years. Harry loved his family. His home was a place where all were welcome and good times shared by many. He made sure his children were exposed to sports, outdoor activities, the arts, and community involvement. He was a dedicated Father and Christian who loved serving his Lord. In 1990, Harry lost his wife Nadine. In 1991, he married Peggy Barb from Limon Colorado. Harry was an avid competitor and enjoyed playing tennis. He was a member of Kings River Golf and Country club and the American Legion. For many years he was President of the Gideon's local chapter. He was very generous in his support of many local and non-profit agencies. Harry is survived by his wife, Peggy; his three children, Pam Taylor and her husband Jim; sons, Jim and Dennis Foley; and grandson, Mark Nielsen. His stepchildren include, Deidre Barb, Tony and Carol Barb; their daughters, Tonya and Tricia, Denise and George Newman, and their children, David and Elyse. A celebration of life will be held for Harry at Kingsburg Community Church at the corners of Smith and Ellis streets, Kingsburg, Ca., on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at the memorial pavilion located at Reedley Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to the Gideon's Selma Camp, P.O. Box 439, Selma, Ca., 93662 or Hinds Hospice, 1416 W. Twain, Fresno, Ca. 93711-3014. CAIRNS FUNERAL HOME 940 'F' Street Reedley, Ca. (559)638-2233